Printer Buffer Management for Single Bluetooth Path Multi-Function Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printer communication systems, especially those using Bluetooth, are limited by having only one communication path, making it challenging to implement multiple functions such as data reception, information acquisition, and status monitoring efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A print output control device and method that utilizes a single Bluetooth communication path to manage multiple functions by employing a configuration with a reception buffer, printer command analysis unit, printing unit, print setting unit, status generation unit, transmission buffer, and control unit, allowing for efficient data storage, acquisition, and status monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single communication path (Bluetooth) is used for printer communication, then device portability and energy consumption are improved, but the ability to implement multiple functions (data reception, information acquisition, status monitoring) simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functions by creating separate buffer units for different operations: a reception buffer for incoming print data, an acquisition buffer for information requests, and a status buffer for monitoring data. This segmentation allows multiple functions to operate concurrently through a single Bluetooth communication path, resolving the contradiction between using one port and implementing multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to communication by implementing asynchronous data handling with buffered storage. Instead of requiring simultaneous communication channels, the system processes different functions at different times while maintaining the appearance of concurrent operation through buffer management, effectively adding a time dimension to resolve the single-path limitation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication paths (ports) are provided for different functions, then multi-function capability is improved, but device complexity and communication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single Bluetooth communication path universal by implementing a multi-purpose buffer management system. The same communication interface handles data reception, information acquisition, and status monitoring by switching between different buffer units based on the current function, eliminating the need for separate communication paths while maintaining all required functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces buffer units as intermediary storage between the single communication path and multiple functions. These buffers act as mediators that decouple the communication interface from the various functions, allowing the same physical path to serve multiple purposes without direct conflicts, thus reducing complexity while preserving multi-functionality.
3Speed
If data is processed immediately upon reception, then processing speed is improved, but data completeness and accuracy deteriorate due to potential gaps in reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completely receiving and storing all print data in the reception buffer before initiating any processing operations. This ensures data completeness is maintained while still achieving efficient processing, as the buffering allows rapid sequential access and processing without waiting for incremental data arrivals, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and completeness.
Data Source
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AI summary
A print output control device operably connected to a printer, includes a communication circuit configured to communicate to and from the printer by using one communication path; a first buffer configured to sequentially store print data received from the printer via the communication circuit; a second buffer configured to accumulate the print data stored in the first buffer; a status storage unit configured to store status information on the printer included in the print data; a data storage controller configured to periodically check the first buffer; accumulate, when the print data is stored in the first buffer, the stored print data in the second buffer; and store, when the status information is included in the print data, the status information in the status storage unit; a first function controller configured to store, when a first function is executed, in the third buffer, the print data accumulated in the second buffer to send back the stored print data as an acquisition value for the first function; and a second function controller configured to store, when a second function is executed, in the third buffer, the print data accumulated in the second buffer from when the second function is executed to send back the stored print data as an acquisition value for the second function.