Virtual Printer Web App Routing Eliminates Driver Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external print services require printer drivers on terminal devices for printing, limiting flexibility and convenience, especially in network-based printing scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that utilizes a virtual printer registered in an external print service, where the system identifies and processes print jobs using associated web applications, allowing printing without the need for printer drivers on terminal devices through a webhook mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If printer drivers are installed on terminal devices for printing, then printing functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the terminal device and the printer. The terminal device sends print jobs to the server, which then processes and forwards them to the appropriate printer. This mediator eliminates the need for printer drivers on terminal devices, simplifying the printing process while maintaining full printing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of installing printer drivers directly on terminal devices with a web-based system using web applications and web hooks. The printing functionality is achieved through network communication and web technologies rather than local driver installation, reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If printer drivers are required on terminal devices, then printing is enabled, but adaptability across different devices and platforms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The server is designed to handle multiple types of print jobs from various terminal devices through a universal web-based interface. The system can process different print formats and routes them to appropriate printers, making the printing system adaptable to diverse devices without requiring device-specific drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as a universal intermediary that translates and routes print jobs from different terminal devices to various printers. This mediator layer handles the complexity of driver compatibility, allowing terminal devices to print to any registered printer through the server without needing specific drivers.
3Productivity
If external print service stores and transmits print jobs, then network printing is enabled, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated job management where the server automatically receives, stores, processes, and transmits print jobs without manual intervention. Web hooks enable automatic notification and job routing, reducing the complexity of information processing by making the system self-managing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses web hooks to establish feedback mechanisms where the server automatically notifies relevant systems when print jobs are received, processed, or completed. This automated feedback loop streamlines job management and reduces processing complexity by eliminating manual tracking and coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and a processing execution method. The information processing system in response to a transmission of a print job from a terminal device to a virtual printer registered in an external print service, receives information for identifying the virtual printer and the print job from the external print service, based on association information associating identification information of an application and information for identifying a virtual printer, identifies an application associated with the information for identifying the virtual printer that is received, and processes the print job by the application.