Printer Extension Attach Unit Reduces Communication Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
In shared printer environments, existing methods require a separate port for priority data transmission, leading to increased communication traffic and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A print data processing apparatus and printer system that uses extensions to combine control process data with print data, allowing the printer to perform control processes using the same port for print data, thereby reducing the need for separate communication channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate port is provided for control process data transmission, then the printer can perform control processes, but the device complexity and communication traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
The print data port is designed to handle both print data transmission and control process data transmission by detecting file extensions. The same physical port serves multiple functions: receiving print jobs with standard extensions and control commands with specific extensions (such as .prn files containing control instructions), thereby eliminating the need for a separate control port and reducing device complexity while maintaining full control functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If control process data is transmitted separately from print data, then control processes can be performed, but communication traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
Control process data and print data are merged into a single transmission stream through the same port. The control commands are embedded within print data files by using specific file extensions (e.g., .prn) that the printer recognizes as containing control instructions. This consolidation reduces communication traffic by eliminating redundant protocol overhead and separate transmission channels while maintaining the ability to execute control processes
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensions are attached to data, then control processes can be identified, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses file extensions as visual identifiers (analogous to color coding) to distinguish between different types of data. Specific extensions (such as .prn for control processes, .txt for text files, .pdf for PDF files) act as tags that immediately signal the printer how to process the incoming data. This simple extension-based classification system provides clear identification without requiring complex data structures or processing logic, maintaining system simplicity while enabling versatile control capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A print data processing apparatus that controls data transmitted to and received from a printer, includes an extension attaching unit that selectively attaches a first extension corresponding to a kind of a formed application or a second extension corresponding to the control process to data outputted to the printer, and a transmission performing unit that transmits data to which the extension is attached to the printer. When the printer is controlled to perform a preset control process, the extension attaching unit attaches a second extension corresponding to the control process to the data.