USB Bidi Extender Segmentation for Multi-Driver Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Windows Operating Systems from Windows 2000 to Windows 7, the V3 printer driver architecture limits bidirectional communication between the information processing apparatus and image forming apparatus via USB, and while Windows 8 introduces the V4 printer driver, the USB Bidi Extender customization is restricted, leading to potential failures in bidirectional communication when multiple printer drivers share a USB port.
Innovation Solution
The information processing apparatus defines common processes for all printer drivers in the USB Bidi Extender, storing control information in a storage area corresponding to each printer driver, allowing correct bidirectional communication even when a different USB Bidi Extender is used, by setting control information in a storage area and requesting communication control programs to perform bidirectional communication based on this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printer drivers share a USB port, then device utilization is improved, but bidirectional communication reliability deteriorates due to USB Bidi Extender customization restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the USB Bidi Extender functionality by creating separate extender instances for each printer driver (e.g., USB Bidi Extender 1 for printer driver 1, USB Bidi Extender 2 for printer driver 2). This segmentation allows each printer driver to have its own dedicated communication channel, preventing conflicts while sharing the physical USB port, thus maintaining bidirectional communication reliability across multiple drivers.
2Stability of the object's composition
If USB Bidi Extender customization is restricted, then system stability is improved, but bidirectional communication functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal USB Bidi Extender framework that can serve multiple printer drivers through standardized interfaces. The USB Bidi Extender is designed to handle multiple printer drivers simultaneously with consistent communication protocols, providing both system stability through standardization and adaptability through multi-driver support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If V4 printer driver is adopted, then functionality is improved, but compatibility with existing USB communication mechanisms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the USB Bidi Extender) between the V4 printer driver and the USB communication interface. This intermediary translates and standardizes communication protocols, allowing the V4 printer driver to utilize advanced functionalities while maintaining compatibility with existing USB communication mechanisms through the bridging extender.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus, system, and a non-transitory recording medium storing instructions for executing an information processing method. The information processing system includes the information processing apparatus with one or more printer drivers installed and an image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus to perform bidirectional communication with the image forming apparatus in response to a request from at least one of the printer drivers, by setting control information in a storage area corresponding to the printer driver and requesting a communication control program to perform the bidirectional communication with the image forming apparatus based on a control information set for the printer driver.