PostScript File Processing via Central XML Control Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems require frequent updates of printer drivers on both workstation computers and central databases, making administration complex and time-consuming, and do not efficiently handle changes in printer devices or user requests in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A method where PostScript files remain device-unspecific until just before printing, with PostScript printer descriptions converted into device-specific XML control files using a central XML control database, ensuring real-time processing of user requests and automatic updates, eliminating the need for frequent driver updates and complex administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If printer drivers are kept decentrally on workstation computers and updated regularly, then printing functionality is maintained, but administration becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the printer driver management functionality into a single central database on the server. Instead of maintaining drivers decentralized across multiple workstations, all printer drivers are stored and managed centrally, eliminating the complexity of distributed updates and synchronization while ensuring consistent printing functionality across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a print spooler service as an intermediary component that handles the conversion of application print files into device-specific formats. This spooler acts as a mediator between applications and printers, managing driver selection and file conversion automatically, thereby simplifying administration while maintaining reliable printing functionality.
2Loss of information
If printer drivers are updated frequently to reflect device changes, then current device data is available, but administrative overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-updating central database system that automatically detects and incorporates changes in printer device data. The system monitors device status and updates driver information automatically without requiring manual administrative intervention, thereby maintaining current device data while minimizing administrative time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the central database continuously monitors printer device status and automatically updates driver information when changes are detected. This feedback loop ensures that device data remains current through automated detection and update processes, eliminating the need for manual tracking and reducing administrative overhead.
3Productivity
If PostScript files are converted to device-specific format immediately, then processing is efficient, but flexibility to handle device changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary conversion of PostScript files into an intermediate device-independent format during the spooling process, but delays the final device-specific conversion until print time. This preliminary action prepares files for efficient processing while maintaining flexibility, as the actual device-specific transformation occurs only when needed, allowing last-minute adaptations to device changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic conversion process where PostScript files are transformed into device-specific formats at the moment of printing rather than in advance. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to device changes automatically, selecting the appropriate driver at print time based on current device status, thereby maintaining both processing efficiency and adaptability to device variations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If all PS clients are evaluated and XML control files are created for each, then device compatibility is ensured, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal XML control file format that can represent multiple printer device types and configurations. Instead of requiring separate complex processing for each PS client, the system uses a single standardized XML structure that can describe any printer device, thereby ensuring device compatibility while simplifying the overall system architecture through format universality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter-based XML control files that can be dynamically configured to match different printer devices. By changing parameters within the standardized XML format rather than creating entirely separate file structures for each device, the system achieves broad device compatibility while maintaining a simple, unified control file system that reduces overall complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for processing PostScript files, PS files (7), in a network (1). It is known from the prior art to manage several workstations (2) and PS clients (4) in a network (1) via a central server (3), wherein the device and connection data are stored in a central device database (5). Device-specific intelligent XML control files are generated from the device-specific PPD data of each PS client (4) by means of a converter and interpreter and stored in an XML control database (12). The device-independent PS file (7) generated in the case of a print job via a workstation (2) is provided with additional information regarding the user's processing request after selection of the PS client (4).Only when the print job is executed are the device-specific XML files (18) required to implement the processing request obtained directly from the XML control database (12), or, in the case of changed device or connection data, a different XML control file is obtained and a device-specific PS file (14) is generated and transmitted to the selected PS client (4) for final processing.