Markup Language Protocol for Cross-Vendor Image Device Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current direct print systems face challenges in compatibility between digital cameras and printers from different vendors due to proprietary protocols, making it difficult to add new functions and maintain compatibility, especially when printers evolve.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method using a markup language, such as XML, to facilitate the exchange of control information between image supply and output devices, allowing for easy revision of protocols while ensuring compatibility across vendors, without requiring complex host equipment like personal computers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single protocol is used by a plurality of vendors, then compatibility between different vendors is improved, but difficulty is encountered in incorporating new functions and the protocol becomes difficult to revise
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol is segmented into a standardized base layer (handling basic image transfer functions) and an extensible layer (allowing vendor-specific functions). This segmentation enables different vendors to implement common functions using the standardized base while adding proprietary functions through the extensible layer, thus maintaining compatibility while allowing protocol evolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol is designed to be dynamic and adaptable rather than static. It incorporates mechanisms that allow the protocol structure to evolve and accommodate new functions without breaking existing implementations. This dynamic design enables the protocol to grow and change while maintaining backward compatibility with older devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vendor-specific protocols are used, then new functions can be added easily, but compatibility between different vendors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges standardized protocol elements (ensuring compatibility) with vendor-specific protocol elements (enabling new functions) into a unified protocol structure. The standardized portion handles core image transfer operations across all vendors, while the vendor-specific portion allows each vendor to implement unique functions, thus combining both compatibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol is designed with universal components that work across all vendors for basic functionality, while simultaneously supporting vendor-specific extensions. This multi-functionality allows the same protocol framework to serve both universal compatibility purposes and specific vendor innovation needs.
3Reliability
If host equipment like personal computers is used for image processing, then protocol compatibility can be managed, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol enables direct peer-to-peer communication between image supply devices and image output devices without requiring host equipment. Each device is self-sufficient in handling protocol communication, eliminating the need for external computers to manage protocol compatibility, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing method is performed by an image supply device storing image data and an image output device performing image processing with respect to the image data, which are connected via a communication path through which the image data is communicated. A control information item including a script for image processing, which is described by a markup language, is communicated between the image supply device and the image output device. The image data is transmitted to the image output device, based on the script.