Printer Concurrent Instruction File Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers connected to a USB port face inefficiencies in print processing, as they require manual execution of application programs and device drivers on the host device, leading to slower print operations.
Innovation Solution
A printer configuration with a USB port, memory areas recognizable as a removable drive, and a processor that allows concurrent processing of instruction files, enabling rapid print processing by executing an executable application program and updating print data in memory areas, facilitating efficient printing without the need for host-side application installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If sequential processing is used for instruction files, then processing simplicity is maintained, but print processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides instruction file processing into distinct segments: file write processing, update preparation processing, and print processing. Each segment can be independently managed and executed in parallel for multiple instruction files, enabling concurrent processing while maintaining clear organizational structure and reducing overall processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements update preparation processing that occurs after file write processing but before print processing. This preliminary action prepares the system state in advance, marking files as update-ready and enabling subsequent print operations to proceed without waiting for file write completion, thereby accelerating overall print processing speed.
2Ease of operation
If application programs are installed on host, then printing functionality is available, but host device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the application program and device driver from the host device and relocates them to the printer's memory as executable files. This extraction eliminates the need for host-side software installation while maintaining full printing functionality, as the printer independently executes these transferred programs to process instruction files and perform printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer becomes self-sufficient by storing and executing application programs and device drivers locally in its memory. The system transfers necessary executable files from the host, then autonomously manages the entire printing process without requiring the host to maintain or execute any printing-related software, thereby simplifying the host device while preserving printing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure discloses a printer comprising a USB port, memory, a printing device, and a processor configured to control the printing device and the memory, wherein the regular storage area includes a first memory area, and at least a second memory area in which at least an instruction file including the print data, and wherein, the processor executes a plurality of processing while concurrently performing at least one processing thereof, the plurality of processing including file write processing for updating a content of original instruction file stored in the second memory area by writing the instruction file in the second memory area, update preparation processing for enabling to be updated later a content of the instruction file stored in the second memory area, and print processing for making the printing device execute printing of print data corresponding to the instruction file written in the second memory area.