Virtual Device Object Integration for Printer Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for integrating multiple printer objects into a virtual device require user selection, increasing the operational load, especially when multiple output apparatuses are connected to a personal computer.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with selection units for choosing device objects with specific functions and a setting unit to combine these into a virtual device object, automatically selecting corresponding printer objects to reduce user burden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If user manually selects printer objects to integrate into virtual device, then integration functionality is achieved, but operational load on user increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration functionalityVSAvoidoperational load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic selection of printer objects for integration without requiring user intervention. The selection unit automatically identifies and selects corresponding printer objects based on device objects, eliminating the manual selection burden while achieving integration functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures the selection logic and automatically identifies appropriate printer objects before the integration process begins. This preliminary automatic selection prepares the integration setup in advance, reducing the operational steps the user must perform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple output apparatuses are connected to PC, then device versatility increases, but setting complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidsetting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages the integration of multiple printer objects into virtual devices without requiring user configuration. The selection unit autonomously handles the complexity of matching device objects with corresponding printer objects, allowing multiple output apparatuses to be connected while maintaining simple settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual device object serves as an intermediary that simplifies access to multiple output apparatuses. Instead of requiring users to configure each device individually, the virtual device provides a unified interface that automatically manages the underlying complexity of multiple connected devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8994970B2Information processing apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a first selection unit configured to receive selection of a first device object having a first function of an output apparatus via a setting screen, a second selection unit configured to select a second device object having a second function of the output apparatus, which corresponds to the first device object selected by the first selection unit, and a setting unit configured to set both the first device object selected by the first selection unit and the second device object selected by the second selection unit to a virtual device object, wherein the first function differs from the second function.