Modular Printer Driver Architecture for Dynamic Plug-in Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printer driver expansion technologies require recompilation and reinstallation, leading to high development costs and user inconvenience, as they necessitate creating all modules for plug-ins to add new functions, making dynamic expansion difficult and costly.
Innovation Solution
A printer driver architecture with modular design, including an interface unit for plug-in addition, a storage unit for setting information, and a core driver that allows partial process execution by existing modules, reducing the need for all modules in plug-ins and enabling dynamic expansion without recompilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new function is added as a plug-in using conventional technology, then the function can be added dynamically without recompilation, but a lot of processes such as display of screen, saving of setting, and control of print must be performed by the plug-in itself, making development costly
Solution Approach 1:
The printer driver is divided into a core driver portion and a plug-in portion. The core driver contains common processes such as display of screen, saving of setting, and control of print. The plug-in only needs to provide the specific additional function, while relying on the core driver for common processes. This segmentation reduces plug-in development complexity while maintaining function expansion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The core driver is designed to provide universal services that can be shared by multiple plug-ins. It implements common functions such as user interface display, setting management, and print control that are needed regardless of which specific plug-in is used. This multi-functionality approach allows different plug-ins to leverage the same infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the function of a printer driver is expanded by conventional methods, then new functions can be added, but it is necessary to recompile the printer driver and reinstall it, deteriorating user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The printer driver is designed with dynamic loading capability, allowing plug-ins to be added or removed at runtime without requiring recompilation or reinstallation of the core driver. The system can dynamically load the plug-in module when needed and unload it when not needed, providing flexible function expansion that maintains user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The core driver is pre-configured with an interface that can accept and integrate plug-ins. The framework for plug-in integration is established in advance in the core driver, so that when a plug-in is added, it can be seamlessly integrated without requiring modifications to the core driver. This preliminary preparation enables easy function expansion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all processes are implemented in a plug-in to realize a predetermined function, then the function can be independently added, but the development cost becomes high because all processes must be developed
Solution Approach 1:
Common processes such as display of screen, saving of setting, and control of print are extracted from the plug-in and placed in the core driver. The plug-in only needs to implement the specific additional function logic, while relying on the core driver for common processes. This extraction significantly reduces the development burden on plug-ins while maintaining functional independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The core driver acts as an intermediary between the user and the plug-in. It handles common interactions such as displaying settings, saving configurations, and controlling the printing process. The plug-in communicates with the core driver through defined interfaces, allowing the plug-in to focus on its specific function while the core driver manages the complex interaction processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer driver includes a plurality of modules, an interface unit that accepts the addition of plug-in including one or more additional modules for realizing a predetermined function, and a storage unit that stores setting information that defines information related to a partial process for realizing the predetermined function of the plug-in. The plurality of modules performs a process that is the partial process for realizing the predetermined function and cannot be realized in the additional modules included in the plug-in in accordance with the setting information.