Modular Printer Driver Architecture for Independent Module Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems require the entirety of the printer driver to be updated or reinstalled when only the image generation or print settings modules need to be changed, leading to inefficiencies and burdens on administrators and users.

Innovation Solution

An image processing system is designed with separate modules for generating images and receiving print settings, allowing these components to be updated independently without affecting the entire printer driver, enabling modular upgrades and reduced reinstallation needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the printer driver is updated to change only the image generation module or print settings module, then the specific module can be improved, but the entire printer driver must be reinstalled

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveModule update efficiencyVSAvoidReinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The printer driver is divided into separate modules: an image generation module and a print settings module. Each module can be independently updated without affecting the other, allowing administrators to update only the specific module that needs improvement rather than the entire driver package.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The print settings module is extracted as a separate component from the image generation module. This extraction allows the print settings module to be independently distributed and updated, eliminating the need to reinstall the entire printer driver when only print settings functionality needs to be changed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire printer driver is reinstalled to update a single module, then the updated module can be deployed, but the complexity of the update process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveModule independenceVSAvoidDriver structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printer driver architecture is segmented into distinct functional modules that can be independently managed. The image generation module handles image processing while the print settings module manages user interface and settings, allowing each to be developed and updated separately despite the increased structural organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10983734B2Image processing system with independently changeable modules for generating an image to be printed and for receiving print settings

Publication Date: 2021.04.20 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image processing system includes an information processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus, in which the information processing apparatus includes: a first output section that outputs, to the image processing apparatus, identification information and an image to be printed; and a second output section that receives print settings from a user and outputs the print settings and the identification information to the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus includes a printing section that receives the image, the print settings, and the identification information output from the first output section and the second output section and performs printing of the image in accordance with the print settings for the image using the identification information.