Print Data Supplying Device for Printer Replacement Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
When a printer is replaced, the difference in specifications between the pre-replacement and post-replacement printers often results in varying printouts, requiring adjustments to the application program's specifications and settings to match the new printer's capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A print system that includes a print data supplying device with a print data generation unit, a print data supplying unit, an internal print data condition storage unit, and a determination unit, which generates and supplies print data based on internal print data conditions to ensure compatibility with the new printer, allowing for consistent printouts without altering the application program's settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a printer is replaced with another printer having different specifications, then the printer can provide new capabilities or performance, but the printout quality and consistency deteriorate compared to the pre-replacement printer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a print data supplying device as an intermediary between the application program and the printer. This device includes a print data generation unit that converts application program output into printer-specific print data, and a determination unit that selects appropriate conversion rules based on printer specifications. This intermediary layer isolates the application program from printer-specific variations, allowing printer replacement without affecting printout consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by storing multiple sets of conversion rules in a storage unit, each set corresponding to different printer specifications. The determination unit compares printer specifications with stored rules to select the appropriate conversion parameters. This allows the system to adapt to different printers by changing only the conversion parameters, not the application program itself.
2Reliability
If the application program's specifications and settings are altered to match the new printer's capabilities, then the printout can be made compatible with the post-replacement printer, but the complexity of system configuration and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the printer-specific conversion logic from the application program and places it in a separate print data supplying device. The application program only needs to output standard-format data, while the print data supplying device handles all printer-specific conversions. This separation reduces application program complexity and centralizes configuration management in the print data supplying device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing multiple sets of conversion rules in the storage unit, each corresponding to different printer models and specifications. When a printer is replaced, the system simply selects the appropriate pre-prepared conversion rules rather than creating new configurations. This eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments when printers are replaced.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conversion rules are stored for different printer specifications, then the system can adapt to various printers, but the storage requirements and data management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments conversion rules into distinct, modular sets, each corresponding to a specific printer model or specification category. The determination unit divides the selection process into steps: first identifying the printer model, then selecting the corresponding segmented rule set. This segmentation makes it easier to manage and update individual rule sets without affecting others, reducing overall data management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A print system includes: a printer; and a print data supplying device. The print data supplying device includes: a print data supplying unit that supplies the printer with a print data; an internal print data condition storage unit that stores a plurality of internal print data conditions in association with the respective print data generation processing operations, the internal print data conditions pertaining to the internal print data; a determination unit that determines whether or not the internal print data satisfies any one of the internal print data conditions; and a print data generation unit that generates the print data by performing one of a plurality of print data generation processing operations, in accordance with internal print data that is output as a result of a data processing operation, and in accordance with the result of the determination made by the determination unit.