Virtual Print Queue for Serverless Pull Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems that utilize a print server for pull printing become complex and cannot support local printers effectively.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing an information processing program that enables a client PC to function as a virtual printing device, allowing it to obtain and transmit print jobs to connected printers based on pull print requests without a server, supporting local printers and simplifying system configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a print server is used to transmit print data to printers, then pull printing functionality is achieved, but the system configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the print server component from the system, allowing the information processing apparatus to directly perform pull printing operations. The printing application on the information processing apparatus takes over the server's functionality, eliminating the need for a separate print server and simplifying the system configuration while maintaining pull printing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing apparatus serves itself by implementing pull printing functionality through a printing application installed locally. Instead of relying on an external print server, the apparatus manages its own print jobs and communicates directly with connected printers, enabling self-service operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized print server architecture is used, then print job management is centralized, but local printers cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The printing application on the information processing apparatus provides universal functionality by supporting both network-connected printers and local printers through a unified interface. The application detects the printer type and adjusts communication methods accordingly, enabling multi-functionality without requiring separate systems for different printer types.
3Device complexity
If an information processing apparatus directly manages print jobs without a server, then system configuration is simplified, but print job management capability must be implemented in the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The printing application acts as an intermediary between the user and the print jobs, providing a user-friendly interface for print job management. It handles the complexity of direct printer communication, authentication, and data transmission, while presenting a simplified interface to users, thus easing the implementation burden.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores an information processing program executable by a processor of an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus is loaded with an operating system (OS) that includes OS standard printing software. When executed by the processor in a state where the information processing program is registered as a virtual printing device in the OS standard printing software, the information processing program causes the information processing apparatus to perform operations. The operations includes obtaining a first print job from the OS standard printing software, obtaining pull printing information of the first print job, obtaining a pull print request corresponding to the first print job from a printing device of one or more printing devices connected to the information processing apparatus, and transmitting the first print job to the printing device from which the pull print request is obtained in the obtaining the pull print request.