Printing Control Device Module Download Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in accessing specific printer functions without installing all corresponding programs on their computers, as general-purpose printer drivers only support common functions across multiple printers.

Innovation Solution

A printing system comprising a first computer that generates printing data without using a printer-specific driver, a second computer that downloads and integrates custom settings and processing modules, and a printer that performs printing based on the generated data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users install all printer-specific programs to access specific printer functions, then all printer functions become available, but storage requirements increase and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to specific printer functionsVSAvoidstorage requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts specific printer functions into separate processing modules that can be individually downloaded and installed only when needed. Instead of requiring users to install all printer-specific programs, the system extracts only the necessary modules for the specific printer model and functions the user needs, thereby reducing storage requirements while maintaining access to specific printer functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments printer functions into discrete processing modules that can be independently managed. The printing control device divides printer capabilities into separate modules that can be selectively installed based on the printer model and user needs, allowing users to access specific printer functions without installing all possible programs, thus reducing overall storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If users install all printer-specific programs to access specific printer functions, then all printer functions become available, but the printing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to specific printer functionsVSAvoidprinting process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts specific printer functions into separate processing modules that are automatically selected and installed by the printing control device. This extraction process simplifies the printing process by automating module selection and installation, eliminating the need for users to manually install and configure multiple printer-specific programs, thereby reducing printing process complexity while maintaining access to specific printer functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The printing control device performs self-service by automatically detecting the printer model, identifying required processing modules, and installing them without user intervention. This automation simplifies the printing process by eliminating manual configuration steps, reducing the complexity that would otherwise result from installing and managing multiple printer-specific programs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If users use a general-purpose printer driver, then installation is simplified, but specific printer functions are not accessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidaccess to specific printer functions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the printing control device to automatically detect printer models and pre-select the appropriate processing modules before the printing process begins. This preliminary preparation allows users to benefit from both the simplicity of general-purpose drivers and the functionality of specific printer drivers, as the system proactively identifies and installs necessary modules without requiring user knowledge or manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The printing control device serves as an intermediary between the user's simple printing request and the complex printer-specific functions. It mediates by automatically translating general-purpose printing commands into actions that utilize specific processing modules, allowing users to access specific printer functions through a simplified interface without needing to understand or manually install the underlying complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12327054B2Printing system, printing control device, and printing control program

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A printing control device includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire printing data including a printer as a print destination, a print setting, and a print image; a specifying unit configured to specify a custom setting configured to be capable of setting in the printer in addition to the print setting; a download unit configured to download a processing module used for the specified custom setting; and an accepting unit configured to accept a setting content of the custom setting from a user.