Virtual Printer Mediates Legacy Printer Protocol Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses not supporting printing systems like AirPrint and Mopria cannot interpret print jobs sent by operating systems, leading to printing failures.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus generates a virtual printer to receive print data from the operating system, searches for compatible printers on the network, and converts print jobs into formats interpretable by real printers, allowing printing without the need for a traditional printer driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If printing systems like AirPrint and Mopria are used, then printing without a printer driver is enabled, but image forming apparatuses not supporting these protocols cannot interpret print jobs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual printer as an intermediary component that receives print jobs from the OS in AirPrint/Mopria format, converts them to appropriate formats, and transmits them to real printers. This mediator enables compatibility between modern printing protocols and legacy printers that don't support these protocols natively.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual printer creates a copy or representation of the printing functionality that bridges between the OS printing system and the actual printer. It copies the print job data, transforms it through conversion processes, and delivers it to the target printer, effectively replicating driver functionality without requiring traditional drivers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional printer driver is installed, then compatibility with image forming apparatuses is ensured, but the need for driver installation increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual printer serves as a software intermediary that eliminates the need for installing traditional printer drivers. It handles the conversion and communication protocols internally, reducing system complexity while maintaining compatibility with various printers through centralized management.
3Ease of manufacture
If image forming apparatuses do not support specific protocols, then they can be used with simpler hardware, but they cannot interpret print jobs from modern operating systems
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual printer acts as a reliable intermediary that ensures print jobs are properly formatted and transmitted to printers regardless of their protocol support. It converts modern print job formats into formats that legacy printers can interpret, ensuring reliable printing functionality without requiring the printers themselves to be upgraded.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method are provided in which a virtual printer service of a host computer automatically acquires from a real printer a response in response to a device search request without receiving the virtual printer generation instruction from a user, and a virtual printer configured to transmit a print job to the printer is then generated for each printer that responded to the device search request.