Virtual Printer Mediator for Bidirectional Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for using image forming apparatuses, such as printer drivers, cannot implement functions that rely on bidirectional communication protocols, preventing the retrieval and utilization of essential information like memory status, print image correction processing, and device information.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a printer driver that generates print data based on image data received from an application, utilizing a virtual printer for output control, which includes an obtaining unit for communicating with the real printer and a transmitting unit for sending print data, allowing rendering processing to be executed based on obtained real printer information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a basic printer driver is used without bidirectional communication capability, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to obtain and use printer information (memory status, device information, print image correction processing) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual printer as an intermediary component that bridges the basic printer driver and the real printer. The virtual printer implements bidirectional communication with the real printer and provides the necessary printer information to the basic printer driver, allowing the driver to function without direct communication capabilities. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by enabling information flow without complicating the driver's structure.
2Loss of information
If a virtual printer is introduced to enable bidirectional communication, then the ability to use printer information is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual printer is designed as a multi-functional component that handles multiple tasks: bidirectional communication with the real printer, extraction of printer information (memory status, device information), implementation of print image correction processing, and interfacing with the basic printer driver. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single universal component, the patent minimizes the overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive printer information utilization.
3Reliability
If bidirectional communication protocol is implemented in the printer driver, then the reliability of printing is improved, but the ease of manufacture and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bidirectional communication functionality from the basic printer driver and places it in the virtual printer component. This separation allows the printer driver to remain simple and easy to manufacture, while the communication complexity is isolated in the virtual printer layer. The driver only needs to send print data to the virtual printer, which then handles all complex communication protocols with the real printer, thereby maintaining reliability without increasing driver complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
To make it possible to use a function depending on bidirectional communication, an information processing apparatus comprises: a printer driver configured to generate print data to be printed by a real printer, based on image data received from an application; and a virtual printer configured to receive the generated print data, and perform output control to the real printer. The virtual printer obtains information of the real printer by communicating with the real printer; and transmits the print data based on the information of the real printer, wherein the printer driver generates the print data by executing rendering processing on the image data based on the information of the real printer obtained via the virtual printer.