Printing System Instruction Image Mediator for Standard Driver Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard printer drivers lack the capability to utilize specific functions of printers, such as receipt printers, due to their limited support for non-standard printing control commands, restricting the use of advanced printer features when not using printer-specific drivers.
Innovation Solution
A printing system comprising a user terminal and a printer that generates a processing image by adding an instruction image to a print image, allowing the printer to execute specific operation instructions even when using a standard printer driver, thereby enabling the use of printer-specific functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard printer driver is used, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but the ability to utilize printer-specific functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an instruction image as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between standard printer drivers and printer-specific functions. The instruction image contains encoded commands that enable the printer to execute specialized operations (such as cutting, perforating, or other finisher functions) even when using a generic standard driver, thus acting as a mediator that translates standard driver output into printer-specific actions without requiring printer-specific driver software
2Adaptability or versatility
If a printer-specific driver is used, then the ability to utilize printer-specific functions is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The instruction image serves as a lightweight intermediary that avoids the complexity of printer-specific drivers. Instead of requiring users to install and configure complex driver software, the solution embeds functional instructions directly in the image data itself, simplifying the system architecture while maintaining full access to printer-specific capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/software system of printer-specific drivers with an image-based command system. Rather than using complex driver software to communicate printer capabilities, the system encodes instructions within the image data, substituting a simpler image-processing mechanism for the traditional driver-based approach
3Adaptability or versatility
If printer-specific functions are enabled through instruction images, then adaptability is improved, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the functional instructions from the complex driver software and places them directly into the image data structure. By taking out the command elements and embedding them within the image itself, the system separates the instruction-carrying function from the processing complexity, allowing standard drivers to handle the bulk processing while the embedded instructions provide specialized functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system receives a print image to be printed and an operation instruction, generates a processing image obtained by adding an instruction image corresponding to the operation instruction to the print image, receives the processing image and converts the processing image into a processing job, receives the processing job, discriminates the instruction image from an image of the processing job, and operates according to the operation instruction corresponding to the instruction image to cause a printing unit to print the print image.