XPS Filter Pipeline Control for Printing Resource Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users cannot select or easily identify the filters used in the XPS driver printer filter pipeline, leading to resource-intensive processing for image forming apparatuses and lack of transparency in pre-processing operations.

Innovation Solution

A terminal apparatus with a user interface that allows users to select, add, delete, and reorder filters for XPS files, including auto, manual, and recommendation modes, which store processing history and apply filters to optimize printing operations, reducing resource load on image forming apparatuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the XPS driver includes a filter pipeline path to perform pre-processing, then the resource load on the image forming apparatus is reduced, but the user cannot select or identify which filters are being used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource load on image forming apparatusVSAvoiduser ability to select and identify filters
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to the user by displaying information about which filters are being applied through the filter pipeline. The user interface shows the current filter selection status and allows users to view and modify filter settings, creating a closed-loop system where users can monitor and control the pre-processing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to independently manage and configure filter selections through the user interface. Users can add, remove, and reorder filters in the pipeline according to their needs, allowing them to self-service the filter configuration without requiring technical assistance or deep understanding of the underlying processing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the XPS driver automatically selects filters without user input, then processing efficiency is improved, but the user lacks control and transparency over the pre-processing operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoiduser control over filter selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filter selection system is made dynamic by allowing users to switch between different operational modes (automatic filter selection, manual filter selection, and hybrid approaches). The system can adapt its behavior based on user preferences and specific printing requirements, providing both automated efficiency and manual control when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The filter pipeline is designed to be universally applicable with multiple functions. It can operate in automatic mode for efficiency, manual mode for user control, or in combination modes that leverage both approaches. The same infrastructure supports different operational strategies depending on the situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple filters are applied to process the XPS file, then the printing operation is optimized, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting operation optimizationVSAvoidfilter pipeline configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter pipeline is segmented into discrete, independently configurable filter units. Each filter operates as a separate stage in the processing chain, allowing users to enable or disable individual filters without affecting the entire system. This modular approach manages complexity by breaking down the overall processing into manageable segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the complex filter pipeline. It provides a simplified view and control mechanism that abstracts away the underlying complexity while still allowing access to all filter configuration options. The interface mediates between user intentions and system operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3270282B1Terminal apparatus to control a printing operation and method thereof
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 HP PRINTING KOREA CO LTD
  • EP3270282B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3270282B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3270282B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A terminal apparatus to control a printing operation having a user interface to receive a selection of an optimize option when a command to print a XPS file is received, a filter unit to process the XPS file using at least one filter corresponding to the received optimize option, and a controller to transmit the XPS file which has been processed by the filter unit with the at least one filter to an image forming apparatus. Accordingly, the ease of selecting an optimize option for an XPS file is increased.