System and method for generating embedded resource updates for output device

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and related techniques generate an update to control programming, such as firmware, to embed in an electronic document and transmit to a printer, facsimile or other output device. Compatible printers or other output devices according to embodiments of the invention may contain an intermediate language interpreter which receives, interprets and executes the embedded update in the electronic document. That update may include for example an update to the printer's firmware, downloaded forms, fonts or other updates or enhancements which may for instance stored into EPROM or other memory in the output device. Because the resource update is encapsulated in an intermediate language object which may be universally interpreted by compatible printers, facsimile machines and other devices, updates may be delivered with a need to generate specialized code or follow specialized procedures for specific manufacturer's products.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the field of computer software control of output devices, and further relates to a platform that generates firmware, fonts, templates, or other updates for printers or other output devices and stores the resources or updates as embedded intermediate language objects in electronic documents transmitted to the device. Background technique [0002] Laser, inkjet, or other printers have been used for many years with the limitation that updating their firmware, or downloading fonts, layouts, or other enhancements or updates to these printers or other output devices is often a difficult task . by figure 1 As an illustration, and as an obstacle to reliable updates, the firmware stored in the printer's EPROM or other memory is often manufacturer-specific and thus dependent on specialized drivers for these hardware, which complicates the update process. Specialized tools or knowledge are required to generate and transmit the ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, in known printer implementations, those fonts, layouts, or other content are not persistent and typically need to be repeatedly transferred to the printer, document by document each time a new document is produced

Alternatively, such as Printer Control Language (PCL TM ) or other electronic form codes can be sent from a serial, parallel, or other interface to the printer to dynamically form fonts or other content in the printer's RAM (random access memory), but non-embedded control code types also Also not durable and not scalable

There are also other issues in the maintenance, updating, and use of printers and other output devices

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