Printer Control Apparatus Inversion for Communication Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing control systems face inefficiencies in communication speed due to frequent transmission of request signals, leading to data buildup and potential loss, as well as delayed transmission of urgent messages.
Innovation Solution
A printer control apparatus that transmits a reception request signal only when high-priority data is available, prompting the host to send a transmission request signal, thereby optimizing data transmission and reducing unnecessary exchanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the host regularly transmits transmission request signals to the printer at high frequency, then the printer can transmit data promptly when available, but the overall communication speed of the system slows down due to excessive signal exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional master-slave communication pattern by allowing the printer (device) to initiate communication by transmitting a reception request signal to the host when data is available, rather than the host continuously polling the printer. This inversion reduces unnecessary signal exchanges and improves communication efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer autonomously determines when data is available and initiates the transmission process by sending a reception request signal to the host, eliminating the need for continuous host polling. This self-service approach reduces communication overhead and speeds up data transmission.
2Productivity
If the host regularly transmits transmission request signals to the printer at low frequency, then the communication overhead is reduced, but data builds up in the printer causing potential data loss and device shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The printer performs preliminary action by detecting when data is available and transmitting a reception request signal to the host in advance, before the host would normally poll. This ensures timely data transmission without requiring frequent host-initiated requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the reception request signal mechanism, where the printer informs the host when data is ready for transmission. This feedback loop ensures that the host transmits requests at appropriate times, preventing data buildup while maintaining communication efficiency.
3Reliability
If the host transmits check request signals regularly to verify connection status, then the error status can be monitored, but the communication speed decreases due to additional signal exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data transmission request function with the connection status check function into a single reception request signal. When the printer transmits this signal, it simultaneously indicates data availability and confirms connection status, eliminating the need for separate check request signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The reception request signal serves multiple functions: it indicates that data is available for transmission, confirms the connection status between host and printer, and triggers the host to send a transmission request. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate signals needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing control system, including a printer control apparatus and a host control apparatus, the printer control apparatus including: a first communication unit configured to transmit to the host control apparatus a reception request signal, which is for prompting the host control apparatus to transmit a transmission request signal; and a second communication unit configured to transmit data to the host control apparatus when receiving the transmission request signal, the host control apparatus including: a third communication unit configured to receive the reception request signal; and a fourth communication unit configured to, when receiving the reception request signal, transmit the transmission request signal, which is for prompting the printer control apparatus to transmit the data.