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Multi-source, adaptive printer driver configuration

a printer and driver technology, applied in the field of device drivers, to achieve the effect of enhancing the capabilities of the printer device, enhancing the print-related capabilities, and extending the functionality

Inactive Publication Date: 2015-01-22
MICROSOFT TECH LICENSING LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach allows printer drivers to adapt and enhance their functionality automatically, supporting advanced printing features and maintaining compatibility with evolving printer capabilities, reducing the need for frequent updates and improving user experience across diverse hardware and software environments.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, the printer driver may begin supporting more and more advanced printing features over time to reflect and capitalize on more capabilities of the printer device, even though the user may not have taken any action to improve or enhance it.

Method used

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  • Multi-source, adaptive printer driver configuration
  • Multi-source, adaptive printer driver configuration
  • Multi-source, adaptive printer driver configuration

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0015]Some embodiments of the invention provide a framework which enables printer driver functionality to be modified, supplemented and / or enhanced over time. For example, some embodiments provide components (which may be incorporated in a print subsystem, in the printer driver, or some other location) configured to seek and acquire configuration data from any of various sources, and incorporate any configuration data found into the printer driver, so that the printer driver's functionality may be extended and enhanced over time.

[0016]In some embodiments, a “base” printer driver providing only a relatively rudimentary set of print-related features (e.g., support for a minimal number of paper sizes, such as letter and A4; support for only black and white printing; no advanced features like duplex printing, etc.) may be “shipped” (e.g., included with an operating system for a computing device, provided with a printer device, and / or distributed in some other manner) to provide function...

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PUM

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Abstract

Some embodiments of the invention provide techniques whereby a printer driver may be modified and supplemented over time. For example, a framework may be provided which enables a printer driver's functionality to be supplemented over time to include new and / or enhanced features, such as features relating to the manner in which the capabilities of a printer are configured, print settings are manipulated, information is presented to users, print-related system events are handled, etc. In some embodiments, one or more components (which may be included in a print subsystem provided by an operating system of a computing device, in a printer driver, and / or some other system element) may be configured to automatically seek and acquire configuration data from any of various sources, including the printer device, one or more online sources, and / or other sources.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 966,840, filed Dec. 13, 2010, entitled “ADAPTABLE PRINTER DRIVER,” (Atty. Dkt. No. 330867.01). The entirety of this afore-mentioned application is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to device drivers, and more particularly to printer drivers.BACKGROUND[0003]A device driver is a body of software code that often enables one or more higher-level software applications to interact with a hardware device. Often, a device driver accepts generic commands from a higher-level application with which a user interacts, and translates the commands into lower-level commands that the printer device being driven is configured to process. By acting as a translator, the device driver can simplify the programming of higher-level applications, since those applications need not be programmed to issue commands in the lower-level...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G06F3/12G06F9/44
CPCG06F3/1204G06F9/4411G06F3/1285G06F3/1225
Inventor HUTCHINGS, JUSTINYUE, FENGGORGENYI, FRANKFENELON, MICHAEL
Owner MICROSOFT TECH LICENSING LLC
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