Virtual Printer Data Conversion for Non-Compliant Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printers that are not compliant with the driverless printing technique, such as low-end printers, cannot perform printing unless a printer driver is installed in the information processing device, and even with existing techniques, these printers cannot be selected for printing if the OS environment does not allow driver installation.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium containing computer-executable instructions that manage and convert print data to enable printing on non-compliant printers by registering a virtual printer in the OS and converting standardized print data to a format supported by the particular printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a printer driver is installed in the information processing device to enable printing on non-compliant printers, then printing capability is achieved, but the OS environment restriction prevents driver installation and thus printing cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a print data conversion program as an intermediary component that sits between the OS printing function and the non-compliant printer. This conversion program translates standardized print data into printer-specific formats without requiring driver installation in the OS, thus enabling printing on non-compliant printers while maintaining driverless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the printing system into distinct functional components: the OS printing function that generates standardized print data, the print data conversion program that converts data formats, and the non-compliant printer that receives converted data. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with clearly defined interfaces, eliminating the need for driver installation in the OS.
2Ease of operation
If driverless printing technique is used to simplify printing operation, then ease of operation is improved, but non-compliant printers cannot be selected and printing cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The print data conversion program serves as a mediator that enables communication between the driverless printing system and non-compliant printers. It receives standardized print data from the OS printing function and converts it into formats that non-compliant printers can process, thus extending printer compatibility while maintaining driverless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data format parameter dynamically based on the target printer type. The print data conversion program detects whether the destination printer is compliant or non-compliant and automatically adjusts the output data format accordingly, enabling the same driverless printing function to work with both printer types.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device is configured to execute a management program and a print server program. The management program registers, in an operating system, a virtual printer compliant with a particular printer. The print program obtains print data generated by the operating system in a case where printing designating the registered virtual printer is instructed, converts the obtained print data to print data which is supported by the particular printer and not compliant with a general-use standard, and transmit the converted print data supported by the particular printer to the particular printer.