JP2005173983A - Printer system installer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem with installing a printer driver or printer firmware wherein, if the user has installed them without knowing exactly which to install, a printer system may not operate properly in the absence of compatibility between the printer driver and the printer firmware. <P>SOLUTION: This printer system installer, when comprising both a printer driver and printer firmware, has a means for installing the printer driver and further installing the printer firmware. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer driver in a printer system that transmits recording data to a printer using a printer driver and records the data on a recording medium, and a printer system installer that installs printer firmware.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printer system installer that installs a printer driver and printer firmware in a printer system that transmits recording data to a printer using a printer driver and records the data on a recording medium, the printer driver installer and printer firmware that install the printer driver are installed. There is a printer firmware installer (also called a downloader) to be installed.

  There are two types of installers, one for installing the printer driver and one for installing the printer firmware. What is the printer driver, what is the printer firmware, and what do you want to install? It is necessary for the user to select and consciously.

  Also, when installing both the printer driver and the printer firmware, it is necessary to select both and install them separately.

  When the printer firmware is installed, the printer is purposely switched to a special mode instead of the user mode normally used by the user.

  Also, when installing printer firmware, if the printer is not connected, the printer firmware cannot be installed, and the printer must be connected.

  When installing a printer driver or printer firmware, the user cannot correctly select what to install. As a result of the installation, the printer driver and printer firmware are not compatible, and the printer system operates correctly. It may disappear.

The prior art has the above drawbacks.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-124435.

  The present invention eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and solves the following problems.

  A printer driver installer for installing a printer driver and a printer firmware installer (also referred to as a downloader) for installing printer firmware are set as one installer as a printer system installer.

  The printer system installer can have a configuration including only a printer driver, a configuration including only printer firmware, or a configuration including both a printer driver and printer firmware.

  When the printer system installer has only the printer driver, it satisfies the same function as the conventional printer driver installer.

Further, when the printer system installer is configured only by printer firmware, the same functions as those of the conventional printer firmware installer are satisfied.
Further, when the printer system installer is configured to include both the printer driver and the printer firmware, the same functions as both the conventional printer driver installer and the printer firmware installer are satisfied.

  As a result, when the user installs, the user simply needs to install without being aware of anything, and the installation operation is completed once.

  When installing the printer firmware, it is possible to install the printer firmware in the user mode normally used by the user without switching the printer to a special mode.

  In addition, when installing the printer firmware, it is possible to install the printer firmware even if the printer is not connected.

  When installing a printer driver or printer firmware, check the compatibility of the printer driver with the printer firmware to ensure that the user is not able to correctly select what to install. Ensure that the printer system works correctly.

  As described above, in the printer system in the printer system that installs the printer driver and the printer firmware in the printer system that transmits the recording data to the printer by using the printer driver and records it in the recording medium, the usability of the installation and the printer system It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer system installer that improves the reliability of the printer.

To achieve the above object, in a printer system installer for installing a printer driver and printer firmware in a printer system that transmits recording data to a printer using a printer driver and records the data on a recording medium
The printer system installer can take a configuration consisting only of the printer driver, a configuration consisting only of the printer firmware, or a configuration consisting of both the printer driver and the printer firmware, and means for generating the printer system installer using only the printer driver. Means for generating the printer system installer only with printer firmware, means for adding the printer firmware to the printer driver and generating the printer system installer from both the printer driver and the printer firmware, and the printer system installer In the case of a configuration consisting only of a driver, the means for installing the printer driver and the printer system installer is configured only for the printer firmware. If the printer system installer is composed of both the printer driver and the printer firmware, the printer driver is installed and the printer firmware is further installed. Features.

  Further, when installing the printer firmware, the printer firmware is installed in a normal user mode without setting the printer in a special mode.

  In addition, when installing printer firmware, when the printer is not connected, means for installing the printer firmware on the host, means for determining whether the printer firmware is installed on the host, If the printer firmware is installed on the host when the printer is connected to the printer, means for automatically installing the printer firmware, and if the printer firmware is installed on the printer, the printer firmware installed on the host It has the means to uninstall.

  In addition, the printer driver is characterized by having means for displaying on the host or printer that the printer driver is being installed.

  In addition, the printer firmware is characterized by having means for displaying on the host or printer that the printer firmware is being installed.

  In addition, the printer has a means for displaying on the host that the printer firmware is being installed on the host while the printer firmware is being installed on the host.

  In addition, when installing the printer firmware from the printer firmware installed on the host, the host or printer has means for displaying that the printer firmware is being installed from the printer firmware installed on the host. It is characterized by.

  In addition, the printer firmware installed in the host is being uninstalled, and the printer or the printer has means for displaying that the printer firmware installed in the host is being uninstalled.

  Further, when installing the printer driver or the printer firmware, the printer driver or the printer firmware has means for checking compatibility between the printer driver and the printer firmware.

  In addition, the printer driver and the printer firmware are not compatible, and when the printer driver or the printer firmware is not installed, the host or the printer indicates that the printer driver or the printer firmware has not been installed.

As described above, the present invention has the following effects.
When installing a printer driver or printer firmware, it is not necessary for the user to select what to install, so the user can simply install it without being aware of anything. The installation process is completed once.

  When installing the printer firmware, it is possible to install the printer firmware in the user mode normally used by the user without switching the printer to a special mode.

  In addition, when installing the printer firmware, it is possible to install the printer firmware even if the printer is not connected.

  When installing a printer driver or printer firmware, check the compatibility of the printer driver with the printer firmware to ensure that the user is not able to correctly select what to install. Ensure that the printer system works correctly.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a recording apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

  The carriage 101 has a recording head 102 and a cartridge guide 103 mounted thereon, and can scan along the guide shafts 104 and 105. The drive mechanism of the carriage 101 is not shown. The recording medium 106 is fed into the main body by a paper feed roller 107, and is sent to the front surface of the recording head 102 while being sandwiched by a paper feed roller 108, a pinch roller (not shown), and a paper presser plate 109 for recording. Is done. A yellow ink tank 110 containing yellow ink, a magenta ink tank 111 containing magenta ink, a cyan ink tank 112 containing cyan ink, and a black ink tank 113 containing black ink are respectively separate. Are inserted into the cartridge guide 103 and communicated with the recording head 102. The yellow ink remaining amount detection sensor 114 can identify whether or not the yellow ink in the yellow ink tank 110 is empty. The magenta ink remaining amount detection sensor 115 can identify whether or not the magenta ink in the magenta ink tank 111 is empty. The cyan ink remaining amount detection sensor 116 can identify whether or not the cyan ink in the cyan ink tank 112 is empty. The black ink remaining amount detection sensor 117 can identify whether or not the black ink in the black ink tank 113 is empty.

  FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the recording apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 1101 denotes a host (PC) which transmits recording data to a recording apparatus as a host device. Reference numeral 1102 denotes an interface which receives recording data from the host device. 1103 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), 1104 is FlashROM (rewritable ROM), 1105 is RAM, and 1106 is EEPROM. Reference numeral 1107 denotes a controller (GA) which is a custom controller for controlling the I / F unit, CR motor control, LF motor control, recording medium sensor 1 control, recording medium sensor 2 control, and recording head drive control. IC (gate array). A CR motor driver 1108 controls the CR motor, 1109 a CR motor, 1110 an LF motor driver that controls the LF motor, and 1111 an LF motor. Reference numeral 1112 denotes a yellow ink remaining amount detection sensor that can identify whether or not the yellow ink in the yellow ink tank 1113 is empty. Reference numeral 1114 denotes a magenta ink remaining amount detection sensor that can identify whether or not the magenta ink in the magenta ink tank 1115 is empty. Reference numeral 1116 denotes a cyan ink remaining amount detection sensor that can identify whether or not the cyan ink in the cyan ink tank 1117 is empty. Reference numeral 1118 denotes a black ink remaining amount detection sensor that can identify whether or not the black ink in the black ink tank 1119 is empty. is there. Reference numeral 1120 denotes a flexible cable connecting the recording head. Reference numeral 1121 denotes a carriage terminal pad, which forms a contact point at a coupling portion with the recording head. Reference numeral 1122 denotes a recording head, 1123 denotes a driving unit of the recording head, and 1124 denotes a heating element of the recording head. The recording apparatus performs recording by the recording head scanning with a CR motor.

  FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The printer system installer can have both a function of installing a printer driver and a function of installing printer firmware.

  The printer system installer is composed of only the printer driver and has only the function of installing the printer driver, or the printer system installer is composed of only the printer firmware and has only the function of installing the printer firmware. It is possible to adopt a form that includes both functions of printer firmware and has both a function of installing a printer driver and a function of installing printer firmware.

  If the printer system installer consists of only the printer driver, install the printer driver on the host (PC). This configuration is a case where the function is improved only by the printer driver. For example, a new paper size may be added to a printer driver setting or a new function may be added. In some cases, a problem with the printer driver is corrected. Used when the function is upgraded without changing the printer firmware.

  If the printer system installer consists only of printer firmware, the printer firmware is installed in the printer. This configuration is a case where the function is improved only by the printer firmware. For example, the printer throughput may be increased, the print quality may be improved, or a new function may be added. In some cases, a problem with the printer firmware may be corrected. Used when function is improved without changing the printer driver.

  If the printer system installer includes both a printer driver and printer firmware, the printer driver is installed on the host (PC) and the printer firmware is installed on the printer. This configuration is a case where the function is improved by both the printer driver and the printer firmware. For example, a new print medium may be added to the printer driver setting, or a new function implemented by both the printer driver and printer firmware may be added. Used when the function is improved by both the printer driver and printer firmware.

  When the printer driver is installed on the host (PC), the printer driver is stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk of the host (PC).

  When installing the printer firmware in the printer, the printer firmware is stored in a rewritable storage element such as the printer's Flash ROM via the host (PC) RAM and through the interface connecting the host (PC) and the printer. Is saved. When saving the printer firmware, first, the rewriting program is moved from the rewritable storage element such as the printer's Flash ROM to the SRAM or RAM, and executed to execute the rewritable state. When the rewriting of the printer firmware is completed, it is executed with the rewritten firmware.

  Even when the printer system installer performs both the printer driver installation and the printer firmware installation, the installation is completed with a single installation.

  When installing the printer firmware, it is possible to install the printer firmware in the user mode normally used by the user without switching the printer to a special mode.

  FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the printer system installer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Printer system installer versions include PSI00, PSI01, PSI02, PSI03, and PSI04.

  Printer driver versions include PDR00, PDR01, PDR02, and PDR03.

  PFW00, PFW01, PFW02, and PFW03 exist as printer firmware versions.

The printer system installer version PSI00 comprises a printer driver version PDR00 and a printer firmware version PFW00.
The printer system installer version PSI01 is composed only of the printer driver version PDR01, and the printer firmware is not a constituent factor.
The printer system installer version PSI02 is composed only of the printer firmware version PFW01, and the printer driver is not a constituent factor.

  The printer system installer version PSI03 is composed of a printer driver version PDR02 and a printer firmware version PFW02.

  The printer system installer version PSI04 is composed of a printer driver version PDR03 and a printer firmware version PFW03.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the recording apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  This flowchart shows an operation for generating a printer system installer.

  First, preparation processing for generating a printer system installer is performed in step S3101.

  Next, in step S3102, it is determined whether or not the printer driver is to be a constituent factor of the printer system installer. If the printer driver is to be a constituent factor of the printer system installer in the determination in step S3102, it is determined in step S3103 whether the printer firmware is to be a constituent factor of the printer system installer. If it is determined in step S3103 that the printer firmware is to be a constituent factor of the printer system installer, the process advances to step S3104 to determine that both the printer driver and the printer firmware are to be constituent factors of the printer system installer. In step S3108, a printer system installer is generated. Then, the process proceeds to step S3109. In FIG. 7, printer system installers PSI00, PSI03, and PSI04 are this case.

  If it is determined in step S3103 that the printer firmware is not used as a component of the printer system installer, the process advances to step S3105 to determine that only the printer driver is used as a component of the printer system installer. In step S3108, a printer system installer is generated. Then, the process proceeds to step S3109. In FIG. 7, the printer system installer PSI01 is this case.

  If it is determined in step S3102 that the printer driver is not a component of the printer system installer, it is determined in step S3106 whether the printer firmware is a component of the printer system installer. If it is determined in step S3106 that the printer firmware is to be a constituent factor of the printer system installer, the process advances to step S3107 to determine that only the printer firmware is to be a constituent factor of the printer system installer. In step S3108, a printer system installer is generated. Then, the process proceeds to step S3109. In FIG. 7, the printer system installer PSI02 is this case.

  If the printer firmware is not used as a constituent factor of the printer system installer in the determination in step S3106, the printer system installer is not generated.

  Finally, in step S3109, a printer system installer generation end process is performed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of the recording apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  This flowchart shows the operation of installing the printer system installer.

  In step S3201, printer system installer installation preparation processing is performed.

In step S3202, it is determined whether the printer driver is a component of the printer system installer. If it is determined in step S3202 that the printer driver is a component of the printer system installer, the printer driver is installed in the host (PC) in step S3203. During installation of the printer driver, the host or printer displays that the printer driver is being installed. Then, the process proceeds to step S3204.
If it is determined in step S3202 that the printer driver is not a component of the printer system installer, the printer driver is not installed on the host (PC). Then, the process proceeds to step S3204.

  In step S3204, it is determined whether the printer firmware is a component of the printer system installer. If it is determined in step S3204 that the printer firmware is a component of the printer system installer, the printer firmware is installed in the printer in step S3205. During installation of the printer firmware, the host or printer displays that the printer firmware is being installed. Then, the process proceeds to step S3206.

If it is determined in step S3204 that the printer firmware is not a component of the printer system installer, the printer firmware is not installed in the printer. Then, the process proceeds to step S3206.
Finally, in step S3206, a printer system installer installation end process is performed.

(Second embodiment)
The overall perspective view of the recording apparatus showing the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the overall perspective view of the recording apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The circuit block diagram of the recording apparatus showing the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the circuit block diagram of the recording apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram 1 of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Basically, it is the same as the system configuration diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention, but the host (PC) and the printer are not connected by an interface.

  Therefore, the following points are different.

  If the printer system installer consists only of printer firmware, it tries to install the printer firmware in the printer, but the host (PC) and the printer are not connected via an interface, so the printer firmware is installed in the printer. Can not do it.

If the printer system installer consists of both a printer driver and printer firmware, the printer driver is installed on the host (PC) and then the printer firmware is installed on the printer. Since the printer and the printer are not connected by an interface, the printer firmware cannot be installed in the printer.
Therefore, when installing the printer firmware in the printer, the printer firmware is stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk of the host (PC).

  Actually, although the installation of the printer firmware to the printer is not completed, it seems to the user that the installation has been completed.

  FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram 2 of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  System Configuration of Second Embodiment of the Invention After the operation of FIG. 1 is completed, the following operation is performed when the host (PC) and the printer are connected by an interface.

  An attempt was made to install printer firmware in the printer, but since the host (PC) and the printer were not connected by an interface, the printer firmware was stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk of the host (PC).

  When the host (PC) and printer are connected via an interface, it is determined whether the printer firmware is installed on the host (PC). If the printer firmware is installed on the host, the printer is automatically Install the printer firmware.

  When printer firmware is installed in a printer, the printer firmware is stored in a rewritable storage element such as a printer's Flash ROM through an interface that connects the printer to the host (PC).

  FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram 3 of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  System Configuration of Second Embodiment of the Invention After the operation of FIG. 2 is completed, the following operation is performed.

  Uninstall the printer firmware installed on the host.

  As a result, the same state as after the operation of the system configuration diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention is completed.

  System configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention The system configuration in FIG. 2 and the system configuration in FIG. 3 are automatically executed when the host (PC) and the printer are connected via an interface, so the user does nothing. There is nothing and no awareness.

  To the end, it seems to the user that everything has been completed in the initial installation.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the recording apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  This flowchart shows the operation of installing the printer system installer.

  First, in step S3301, printer system installer installation preparation processing is performed.

In step S3302, it is determined whether the printer driver is a component of the printer system installer. If it is determined in step S3302 that the printer driver is a component of the printer system installer, the printer driver is installed in the host (PC) in step S3303. During installation of the printer driver, the host or printer displays that the printer driver is being installed. Then, the process proceeds to step S3304.
If it is determined in step S3302 that the printer driver is not a component of the printer system installer, the printer driver is not installed on the host (PC). Then, the process proceeds to step S3304.

  In step S3304, it is determined whether or not the printer firmware is a component of the printer system installer. If it is determined in step S3304 that the printer firmware is a component of the printer system installer, it is determined in step S3305 whether the host (PC) and the printer are connected via an interface. If it is determined in step S3305 that the host (PC) and the printer are connected via an interface, printer firmware is installed in the printer in step S3306. During installation of the printer firmware, the host or printer displays that the printer firmware is being installed. Then, the process proceeds to step S3308.

  If it is determined in step S3305 that the host (PC) and the printer are not connected by an interface, printer firmware is installed in the host (PC) in step S3307. While the printer firmware is being installed on the host, the host displays that the printer firmware is being installed on the host. Then, the process proceeds to step S3308.

  If it is determined in step S3304 that the printer firmware is not a component of the printer system installer, the printer firmware is not installed. Then, the process proceeds to step S3308.

Finally, in step S3308, a printer system installer installation end process is performed.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of the recording apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention.
This flowchart shows the operation of installing the printer firmware installed in the host (PC) in the printer when the host (PC) and the printer are connected via an interface.

  First, in step S3401, it is determined whether a printer driver is installed in the host (PC). If the printer driver is installed in the host (PC) in the determination in step S3401, the printer firmware installed in the host (PC) is installed in the printer in step S3402. When the printer firmware is being installed from the printer firmware installed on the host, the host or printer displays that the printer firmware is being installed from the printer firmware installed on the host. In step S3403, the printer firmware installed in the host (PC) is uninstalled. While the printer firmware installed on the host is being uninstalled, the host or printer displays that the printer firmware installed on the host is being uninstalled.

  If the printer driver is not installed in the host (PC) in the determination in step S3401, the printer firmware is not installed in the printer.

(Third embodiment)
The overall perspective view of the recording apparatus showing the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the overall perspective view of the recording apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The circuit block diagram of the recording apparatus showing the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the circuit block diagram of the recording apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a compatibility management database according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The printer driver version PDR00 is compatible with the printer firmware versions PFW00 and PFW01.

  The printer driver version PDR01 is compatible with the printer firmware versions PFW00 and PFW01.

  The printer driver version PDR02 is compatible with the printer firmware versions PFW00, PFW01, and PFW02.

  The printer driver version PDR03 is compatible with the printer firmware version PFW03.

  The printer firmware version PFW00 is compatible with the printer driver versions PDR00, PDR01, and PDR02.

  The printer firmware version PFW01 is compatible with the printer driver versions PDR00, PDR01, and PDR02.

  The printer firmware version PFW02 is compatible with the printer driver version PDR02.

  The printer firmware version PFW03 is compatible with the printer driver version PDR03.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the recording apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention.
This flowchart shows the operation of checking the compatibility between the printer driver and the printer firmware and installing the printer system installer while maintaining the compatibility.

  First, in step S3501, printer system installer installation preparation processing is performed.

  In step S3502, it is determined whether the printer driver is a component of the printer system installer. If it is determined in step S3502 that the printer driver is a component of the printer system installer, it is determined in step S3503 whether the printer firmware is a component of the printer system installer. If it is determined in step S3503 that the printer firmware is a component of the printer system installer, the printer driver is installed in the host (PC) in step S3504. In step S3505, printer firmware is installed in the printer. Then, the process proceeds to step S3514. In this case, the printer system installers PSI00, PSI03, and PSI04 are installed in FIG. Since the printer system installers PSI00, PSI03, and PSI04 are composed of both a printer driver and printer firmware, compatibility between the printer driver and the printer firmware is ensured.

  If it is determined in step S3503 that the printer firmware is not a component of the printer system installer, the compatibility of the printer driver to be installed and the current printer firmware is checked in step S3506. In step S3507, it is determined whether the printer driver to be installed is compatible with the current printer firmware. If the printer driver to be installed is compatible with the current printer firmware in the determination in step S3507, the printer driver is installed in the host (PC) in step S3508. Then, the process proceeds to step S3514. In this case, in FIG. 7, the current printer firmware is PFW00 and the printer system installer PSI01 (configured only with the printer driver PDR01) is installed. In FIG. 8, it can be seen that the printer driver PDR01 is compatible with the printer firmware PFW00.

  If the printer driver installed in the determination in step S3507 is not compatible with the current printer firmware, the printer driver is not installed in the host (PC), and it is not installed in step S3509. Display on the printer. Then, the process proceeds to step S3514. In this case, in FIG. 7, the current printer firmware is PFW02 and the printer system installer PSI01 (configured only by the printer driver PDR01) is installed. In FIG. 8, it can be seen that the printer driver PDR01 is not compatible with the printer firmware PFW02.

  If it is determined in step S3502 that the printer driver is not a component of the printer system installer, it is determined in step S3510 whether the printer firmware is a component of the printer system installer. If it is determined in step S3510 that the printer firmware is a component of the printer system installer, in step S3511 the compatibility between the current printer driver and the installed printer firmware is checked. In step S3512, it is determined whether the current printer driver is compatible with the installed printer firmware. If it is determined in step S3512 that the current printer driver and the installed printer firmware are compatible, the printer firmware is installed in the printer in step S3513. Then, the process proceeds to step S3514. In this case, in FIG. 7, the current printer driver is PDR01 and the printer system installer PSI02 (configured only with printer firmware PFW01) is installed. In FIG. 8, it can be seen that the printer firmware PFW01 is compatible with the printer driver PDR01.

If it is determined in step S3512 that the current printer driver is not compatible with the installed printer firmware, the host (PC) or the printer does not install the printer firmware in the printer and does not install in step S3509. indicate. Then, the process proceeds to step S3514. In this case, the current printer driver in FIG. 7 is PDR03 and the printer system installer PSI02 (configured only with printer firmware PFW01) is installed. In FIG. 8, it can be seen that the printer firmware PFW01 is not compatible with the printer driver PDR03.
Finally, in step S3514, a printer system installer installation end process is performed.

1 is an overall perspective view of a recording apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a recording apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention. System configuration diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention System configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention 1 System configuration diagram 2 of the second embodiment of the present invention FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention. Configuration example of printer system installer of first embodiment of the present invention Example of compatibility management database according to the third embodiment of the present invention Flowchart 1 showing the operation of the recording apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention. Flowchart 2 showing the operation of the recording apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention. Flowchart 1 showing the operation of the recording apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention. Flowchart 2 showing the operation of the recording apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the recording device of 3rd Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Carriage 102 Recording head 103 Cartridge guide 104 Guide shaft 105 Guide shaft 106 Recording medium 107 Paper feed roller 108 Paper feed roller 109 Paper holding plate 110 Yellow ink tank 111 Magenta ink tank 112 Cyan ink tank 113 Black ink tank 114 Yellow ink remaining amount Detection sensor 115 Magenta ink remaining amount detection sensor 116 Unink remaining amount detection sensor 117 Black ink remaining amount detection sensor 1101 Host (PC)
1102 interface 1103 CPU
1104 FlashROM
1105 RAM
1106 EEPROM
1107 Controller (GA)
1108 CR motor driver 1109 CR motor 1110 LF motor driver 1111 LF motor 1111 Yellow ink remaining amount detection sensor 1113 Yellow ink tank 1114 Magenta ink remaining amount detection sensor 1115 Magenta ink tank 1116 Cyan ink remaining amount detection sensor 1117 Cyan ink tank 1118 Black ink Remaining amount detection sensor 1119 Black ink tank 1120 Head flex 1121 Carriage terminal pad 1122 Recording head 1123 Recording head drive unit 1124 Heating element of recording head

Claims (10)

In a printer system installer for installing a printer driver and printer firmware in a printer system that transmits recording data to a printer using a printer driver and records the data on a recording medium.
The printer system installer can take a configuration consisting of only a printer driver, a configuration consisting only of printer firmware, or a configuration consisting of both a printer driver and printer firmware;
Means for generating a printer system installer only with a printer driver;
Means for generating a printer system installer only with printer firmware;
Means for adding printer firmware to the printer driver and generating a printer system installer from both the printer driver and the printer firmware;
If the printer system installer consists of only the printer driver, means for installing the printer driver,
If the printer system installer is configured only with printer firmware, means for installing the printer firmware,
When the printer system installer is configured to include both a printer driver and printer firmware, the printer system installer has means for installing the printer driver and further installing the printer firmware. In claim 1,
A printer system installer comprising means for installing printer firmware in a normal user mode without setting the printer in a special mode when installing printer firmware. In claim 1 or claim 2,
When installing the printer firmware, when the printer is not connected, means for installing the printer firmware on the host;
Means for determining whether printer firmware is installed on the host;
Means for automatically installing the printer firmware in the printer if the printer firmware is installed in the host when the printer is actually connected;
A printer system installer, comprising: means for uninstalling printer firmware installed in a host after installing printer firmware in a printer. In claim 1 or claim 2,
A printer system installer characterized by having means for displaying on the host or printer that the printer driver is being installed during installation of the printer driver. In claim 1 or claim 2,
A printer system installer characterized by having means for displaying on the host or printer that the printer firmware is being installed during installation of the printer firmware. In claim 3,
A printer system installer comprising means for displaying on the host that the printer firmware is being installed on the host while the printer firmware is being installed on the host. In claim 3,
When installing printer firmware from printer firmware installed on the host, the printer has means for displaying on the host or printer that the printer firmware is being installed from printer firmware installed on the host Printer system installer. In claim 3,
A printer system installer, comprising: means for displaying on the host or printer that the printer firmware installed on the host is being uninstalled while the printer firmware installed on the host is being uninstalled. In claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3,
A printer system installer comprising means for checking compatibility between a printer driver and printer firmware when installing a printer driver or printer firmware. In claim 9,
A printer system installer, comprising: means for displaying, on a host or printer, that a printer driver and printer firmware are not compatible and the printer driver or printer firmware is not installed when the printer driver or printer firmware is not installed.

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