Virtual Printer Driver for Dynamic Remote Settings Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for managing printer settings in a networked computing environment are inadequate, as they often rely on generic settings or databases of printer drivers, failing to dynamically adapt to changes in printer settings and user preferences across multiple machines.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a virtual printer driver that intercepts print requests, retrieves and displays dynamic graphical interfaces for remote printers, updates settings, and associates virtual printer queues with remote printers, enabling dynamic management of printer settings and preferences across the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If generic printer settings or databases of printer drivers are used, then the system is simpler to implement, but the adaptability to changes in printer settings and user preferences deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changes in printer settingsVSAvoidcomplexity of printer settings management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a virtual printer driver as an intermediary component between the printing application and the actual printer. This virtual driver intercepts print requests, retrieves settings from a database, and dynamically generates graphical interfaces. The intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of direct printer communication, allowing generic settings to be dynamically adapted without increasing user-facing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically retrieves printer settings from a database in response to intercepted print requests. The graphical interface is dynamically generated based on retrieved setting information, allowing the system to adapt to changes in printer settings and user preferences in real-time without requiring manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If generic printer drivers are used, then the system is easier to operate, but the precision of printer setting configuration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of printer setting configurationVSAvoidease of printer management

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual printer driver serves as a mediator that provides a standardized, easy-to-use interface while maintaining precise control over printer settings. It retrieves specific setting information from the database and presents it through dynamically generated graphical interfaces, allowing users to configure printers easily while preserving configuration precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state of printer settings by retrieving updated setting information from the database in response to intercepted print requests. The graphical interface reflects these parameter changes dynamically, allowing users to access precise configuration options without complicating the operation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic retrieval of printer settings is implemented, then the adaptability to real-time changes improves, but the processing time and system resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time adaptation to printer settingsVSAvoidtime for setting retrieval and interface generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by intercepting print requests before they reach the actual printer. The virtual printer driver retrieves setting information and generates graphical interfaces in advance, allowing the system to be prepared for configuration changes without delaying the actual printing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual printer driver acts as a performance-optimizing intermediary that batches setting retrieval and interface generation operations. By handling these tasks at the interception point rather than during printing, the system minimizes the impact on overall processing time while maintaining real-time adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2364472B1Systems and methods for managing printer settings in a networked computing environment

Publication Date: 2014.05.07 CITRIX SYSTEMS INC

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AI summary

Systems and methods for remotely managing printer settings that are associated with a remote printer (205A; 205B) connected to a client machine (102A; 102B). A virtual printer driver (220), executing on a server (106), is used to generate and manage generate virtual printer queues (225A; 225B) associated with remote printers (205A; 205B) connected to the client machine (102A; 102B). Each virtual printer queue (225A; 225B) intercepts print requests generated by one or more applications executing on the server (106), these print requests cause the virtual printer driver (220) to either retrieve printer setting information from cache memory (227A; 227B), or interrogate the remote printer (205A; 205B) for printer setting information. The virtual printer driver (220) retrieves printer setting information and associates virtual printer queues with remote printers using the retrieved printer setting information. The virtual printer driver (220) then responds to the print request by generating a graphical interface that incorporates the retrieved printer settings and user-defined printer settings.