Virtual Printer Capability Verification for Print Jobs

Solution Overview

Problem

In conventional printing systems, when the capabilities of multiple image formation apparatuses differ, print jobs may not be executable due to insufficient capabilities of the selected apparatus, requiring users to manually check and verify the capabilities, which is time-consuming and effort-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A printing system that includes an image formation apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and a terminal apparatus, where the terminal apparatus receives and transmits capability conditions for registration on a virtual printer, and the image formation apparatus transmits its capability information to the information processing apparatus for registration, allowing only capable devices to execute print jobs, thereby reducing user effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple image formation apparatuses with different capabilities are registered in the printing system, then the system can support diverse printing requirements and improve versatility, but users must manually check whether the selected apparatus can execute the print job, which increases operation complexity and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability diversityVSAvoidcapability verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs capability verification in advance by automatically comparing the print job requirements with the registered image formation apparatus capabilities before the user selects a device. The information processing apparatus pre-evaluates compatibility and guides users to suitable devices, eliminating the need for manual capability checking during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automatic feedback to users regarding whether a selected image formation apparatus can execute a print job. The information processing apparatus communicates capability compatibility status back to the user interface, enabling informed device selection without manual verification of technical specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the system allows any registered image formation apparatus to receive print jobs, then the system operates simply without complex verification, but print jobs may fail when the apparatus capabilities are insufficient for the required print settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint job executionVSAvoidjob compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs capability verification in advance by automatically comparing the print job requirements with the registered image formation apparatus capabilities before the user selects a device. The information processing apparatus pre-evaluates compatibility and guides users to suitable devices, eliminating the need for manual capability checking during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prevents incompatible print job assignments by proactively identifying and blocking mismatches between print job requirements and apparatus capabilities. The information processing apparatus validates compatibility before allowing job transmission, preventing execution failures rather than correcting them afterward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If manual capability checking is required for each print job, then the system ensures reliable job execution, but the user spends excessive time verifying apparatus suitability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejob execution assuranceVSAvoidcapability verification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic capability verification without requiring user intervention. The information processing apparatus independently compares print job requirements with apparatus capabilities, determines compatibility, and presents suitable options to the user, eliminating manual verification time while maintaining execution reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automatic feedback to users regarding whether a selected image formation apparatus can execute a print job. The information processing apparatus communicates capability compatibility status back to the user interface, enabling informed device selection without manual verification of technical specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11385842B2Printing system, information processing apparatus, control method therefor, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 CANON KK

AI summary

A printing system includes an image formation apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and a terminal apparatus. The terminal apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive conditions of capabilities required for an image formation apparatus to be registered on a virtual printer, and a first transmission unit configured to transmit the conditions received by the reception unit to the information processing apparatus. The image formation apparatus includes a second transmission unit configured to transmit, to the information processing apparatus, capability information indicating a capability of the image formation apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes a registration unit configured to register the image formation apparatus on the virtual printer in a case where the capability indicated in the capability information transmitted by the second transmission unit satisfies the conditions transmitted by the first transmission unit.