Universal Printer Driver Function Table for Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer drivers face high communication loads and inefficiencies when controlling multiple types of printers with varying functions, as they need to constantly request function information from each printer to display suitable operation screens.
Innovation Solution
A print control system with a universal printer driver that uses a database to store information about controllable printers, including model names, functions, and firmware versions, allowing it to identify and manage printer types and options without frequent requests to the printers, thereby reducing communication load and providing efficient operation screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common printer driver is used to control multiple types of printers with different functions, then the driver must constantly request function information from each printer to display suitable operation screens, but this increases the communication load and reduces system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-fetching and storing printer function information in a table structure before it is needed for displaying operation screens. The printer driver automatically retrieves and caches function data (such as supported paper sizes, resolutions, and special features) when the printer is first connected or when the information is not yet available, so that subsequent screen displays can be generated without repeated communication requests to the printer hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a function information table that acts as a buffer between the printer driver and the physical printer. This table stores pre-acquired function specifications and serves as a local reference, allowing the driver to determine appropriate operation screens without constantly querying the printer itself, thereby reducing communication overhead while maintaining accurate printer capability recognition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a common printer driver is used to control multiple types of printers, then the driver must recognize each printer's function to provide suitable operation screens, but this requires a large amount of data and increases processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing printer function information into discrete, organized table entries that can be independently accessed. Instead of handling large amounts of unstructured printer data, the function information is segmented into specific categories (such as paper handling capabilities, output resolutions, and optional features) stored in a structured table format, making it easier for the driver to query and process only the relevant information needed for each operation screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a local copy of printer function information in the driver's memory through the function information table. Rather than repeatedly accessing the printer hardware or dealing with complex real-time data processing, the driver maintains a copied representation of the printer's capabilities locally, which can be quickly referenced and processed without the complexity of real-time communication or large-scale data handling.
3Measurement precision
If function requests are performed from the printer whenever an operation screen is displayed, then the most current printer information is obtained, but the communication load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a scheduled refresh mechanism for the function information table. Instead of continuously or constantly requesting printer information, the driver periodically updates the table at appropriate intervals (such as when the printer is first connected, when configuration changes are detected, or at predetermined time intervals), balancing the need for accurate information with the need to minimize communication frequency and maintain system efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A print control apparatus configured to control a plurality of types of printers, the print control apparatus including: a storage part storing a printer type, a function of the printer type, and a correspondence between the printer type and the function of the printer type; an acquisition part, which acquires identification information for identifying at least the printer type from the printer, and the acquisition part acquires the function corresponding to the printer type identified based on the identification information from the storage part, and a display part displaying an operation screen corresponding to the function acquired by the acquisition part.