Printer OS Layer Filter Driver for Error Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer systems lack an efficient method to manage information on errors and consumables without modifying the existing POS application program, which is a requirement for effective printer management.
Innovation Solution
A printer and information managing system configuration that includes a print unit, a control unit with an operating system and device driver in the OS layer, a first application in the application layer for data transmission, and a transmission information acquiring module in the OS layer to acquire and process data without altering the existing application, allowing for error and consumable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transmission information acquiring module is installed in the application layer alongside the first application, then the application can directly access and process transmission information, but the application program must be modified to accommodate the new module
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission information acquiring module is relocated from the application layer to the operating system layer, representing a dimensional change in system architecture. This allows the module to access transmission information between the print unit and first application without requiring modifications to the application program itself, as it operates at a lower system layer where it can intercept and acquire information transparently.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating system layer acts as an intermediary between the first application and the transmission information. By placing the transmission information acquiring module in the operating system layer, the system mediates the access to transmission information, allowing the second application to receive this information through the OS without the first application needing to be modified.
2Device complexity
If the transmission information acquiring module is installed in the operating system layer, then the existing application program remains unchanged, but the module must access information across layer boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The operating system layer is designed with universal functionality to handle various types of information transmission between different applications and devices. By leveraging the OS's existing multi-functional capabilities for process management and inter-process communication, the transmission information acquiring module can access transmission information without creating new complex access mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes feedback mechanisms through the operating system's existing communication channels. The transmission information acquiring module in the OS layer can monitor and acquire transmission information by utilizing the OS's built-in feedback loops for process communication, thereby avoiding the need for complex cross-layer access mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printer information management systems are deployed, then comprehensive error and consumable management is achieved, but the system architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct layers: the operating system layer containing the transmission information acquiring module, and the application layer containing the second application. This segmentation allows multiple printer management instances to be deployed independently, with each instance maintaining the same layered structure, thereby achieving multi-printer management without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each printer management system implements only the necessary partial functionality at each layer - the OS layer handles information acquisition while the application layer handles information processing and output. This partial action approach allows multiple systems to be deployed with standardized interfaces, reducing the complexity overhead of managing multiple printers compared to a monolithic architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes: a print unit performing a printing operation; and a control unit having an operating system and a device driver installed in an operating system layer, a first application installed in an application layer other than the operating system layer so as to transmit and receive information to and from the print unit through the device driver, a transmission information acquiring module installed in the operating system layer so as to acquire transmission information which is information based on the information transmitted and received between the first application and the print unit through the device driver, and a second application installed in the application layer so as to receive the transmission information and to output processing information which is information based on the input transmission information.