DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention
FUNCTION EXPANSIONMETHOD USING PRINT DATA, AND FUNCTION EXPANS ION
DEVICE
Technical Field
[0001]
The present invention relates to a function expansion method for
expanding the functions of an existing application using print data
output from the application, and relates more particularly to a function
expansion method capable of easily providing a range of expanded
functions without changing the existing applicationprogram and without
using an existing printer driver.
Background Art
[0002]
POS systems, which are a type of sales management system, are
commonly used in the retail industry in supermarkets, for example.
In a POS system, plural terminal devices (registers) connected with
a server over a network operate according to an application installed
on each terminal device and perform various processes. A printer is
typically disposed to each terminal device and outputs receipts and
coupons as instructed by the application. Systems that are configured
similarly to POS systems that produce such output include systems used
in hospitals and systems used by shipping companies.
[0003]
The need for functional expansion of such systems arises from
improvements in technology and changing business needs after the system
is introduced. However, because these systems are central to business
operations and are always being used, and are connected to other systems
in complex ways, modifying the application is not usually simple.
[0004]
To solve this problem, ideas such as described below related to
output process functions have been proposed.
[0005]
Patent document 1 describes a device that renders a modem function
in a personal computer that enables eliminating the microprocessor
and memory that are required in a conventional modem without needing
to modify an existing application program.
[0006]
Patent document 2 describes a device that can access one
communication port and cause a printer connected to another
communication port to print simultaneously so that duplicate copies
can be printed without modifying the application.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0007]
PTL 1 : Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl . Pub. JP-A-H08- 69427
PTL 2 : Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-2006-338443
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0008]
The content of patent documents 1 and 2 , however, stops at
implementing functions limited to the output system, such as modem
functions and duplicate printing functions, and cannot accommodate
many other needs. Furthermore, because patent document 2 describes
processing at the OS kernel level, creating new functions (including
program development) is not easy and the functions are also limited.
[0009]
In addition, when a printer is replaced with a new printer in
such systems, using the driver for an existing printer is, as a rule,
preferably avoided.
[0010]
Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a function
expansion method and a function expansion device that use print data
output from an existing application to expand the function of the
application, and are capable of easily adding a variety of functions
without changing the existing application program and without using
an existing printer driver.
Solution to Problem
[0011]
To achieve the foregoing object, a n aspect of the invention is
a function expansion method that executes a process that expands the
function of an application on a computer that operates according to
an operating system on the operating system kernel layer, executes
a specif ic process according to the application on an application layer,
and has one or more communication ports, and has: a virtual driver
step in which the computer acquires print data output from the
application to a printer driver before the print data is received by
the printer driver, and sends the print data to the communication port
specified in the print data; a virtual port step in which the computer
acquires on the OS kernel layer print data sent to the communication
port, or print data output from the application to the communication
port, before the print data is received by the communication port,
and relays the acquired print data to the application layer; and a
function expansion step in which the computer applies a process that
expands the function of the relayed print data on the application layer,
and outputs the print data after processing to the communication port
suited to the data.
To achieve the foregoing object, another aspect of the invention
is a function expansion device that includes a computer that operates
according to an operating system on the operating system kernel layer,
executes a specific process according to the application on an
application layer, andhas one ormore communication ports, the function
expansion device executing a process that expands the function of the
application and including: a virtual driver that acquires print data
output from the application to a printer driver before the print data
is received by the printer driver, and sends the print data to the
communication port specified in the print data; a virtual port that
acquires on the OS kernel layer print data sent to the communication
port, or print data output from the application to the communication
port, before the print data is received by the communication port,
and relays the acquired print data to the application layer; and a
function expansion unit that applies a process that expands the function
of the relayed print data on the application layer, and outputs the
print data after processing to the communication port suited to the
data.
[0012]
Another preferred aspect of the invention is characterized by
the function expansion step including a step of analyzing the relayed
print data, and determining the content of the function expansion
process and the communication port used for output based on the result
of the analysis.
[0013]
Another preferred aspect of the invention is characterized by
the function expansion step including a step of converting the relayed
print data to commands for the printer connected to the communication
port that outputs the data.
[0014]
Another preferred aspect of the invention is characterized by
the content of the function expansion process including any of a group
of operations including changing the content printed by the print data,
changing the output communication port, generating print data for a
new printout, and acquiring information from the- print data.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0015]
The invention enables variously expanding the functions of a POS
system using a simple method that does not involve changing the existing
POS application program. Because the main function expansion process
executes on the application layer of a computer, programs implementing
various processes can be easily developed.
[0016]
In addition, because the process does not use an existing printer
driver, a printer that is incompatible with the existing printer driver
can be used for printing.
Yet further, because the data processed is in the foregoing
standard format when processed on a route through the virtual driver
210, processing is simple.
[0017] . '
Other objects and features of the invention will become clear
from the embodiments of the invention described below.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0018]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a POS terminal
device according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is a function block diagram of the POS terminal device.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of the steps in the
function expansion process.
FIG. describes an improvement of the POS system.
Description of Embodiments
[0019]
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are describedbelow
with reference to the accompanying figures. The following embodiments
do not, however, limit the technical scope of the invention. Note,
further, that identical or like parts are referenced by like reference
numerals in the accompanying figures.
[0020]
FIG . 1 shows an example of a POS terminal according to this
embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a function block diagram of
the POS terminal device. The POS terminal 2 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
2 is a device that uses the invention. In this device (function expansion
device) , a virtual driver 210 acquires print data output from a POS
application 201 (application) to an existing printer driver (driver
202 for printer 3A) , and sends the acquiredprint data without converting
it to commands for the printer to the communication port 209A to which
the existing printer (printer 3A) is connected. The transmitted print
data is acquired by the virtual port 203 of the OS kernel layer 230
before being received by the communication port 209A. The acquired
data is then received by the port handler 204 of the application layer
220, and executes a specif ic function expansion process .The processed
print data is then output from the port handler 204 to the communication
port 209 corresponding to the processed data. By running this process,
the POS terminal 2 can easily expand the functions of the application
without changing the existing POS application 201 program and without
using an existing printer driver.
[0021]
This embodiment of the invention describes a POS system such as
used in a supermarket, and as shown in FIG. 1 has a plurality of POS
terminals 2 connected through a network 4 to a POS server 1 . The POS
server 1 is a computer system that manages the plural POS terminals
2 , and runs processes to tabulate and manage data acquired from the
POS terminals 2 .
[0022]
A POS terminal 2 is installed at each register, and a printer
3 is connected to each. The printer 3 outputs receipts and coupons
based on print data output from the POS terminal 2 . The POS terminal
2 is thus positioned as the host device of the printer 3 .
[0023]
A s shown in FIG. 1 , each POS terminal 2 includes a POS terminal
device 21, display 22, keyboard 23, barcode reader 24, and card reader
25. Thedisplay22displaysproductprices, forexample, for the customer ,
and the keyboard 23 is used by the operator to input product information
including prices and product codes, and customer information such as
sex or age. The barcode reader 24 is used to get product information
by reading product barcodes, and the card reader 25 reads information
stored on a card and acquires information needed to complete the
transaction.
[0024]
The POS terminal device 21 generates and outputs information
printed on the receipts or coupons to the printer 3 based on information
acquired by the keyboard 23, barcode reader 24, and card reader 25.
The POS terminal device 21 is a computer including a CPU, RAM, ROM,
and hard disk drive or other storage device not shown .A POS application
201 program described below and programs for function expansion
processes are stored in ROM, for example, and processes are executed
by the CPU operating according to these programs.
[0025]
The functional configuration of the POS terminal 2 is shown in
FIG. 2 . The POS application 201 of the POS terminal 2 runs a process
to generate and output the information printed on receipts and coupons,
and the data generated at this time is the source data before function
expansion. The generated print data is in the format enabling direct
output to the printer 3A, or data in the format passed to the driver
202 of the printer 3A. The former type is generated when generating
simple print data for printing plain text. The latter is output to
the driver 202 for printer 3A and to the communication port 20 A to
which the printer 3A is connected as data in a standard format (such
as the Windows (R) GDI format) that can be processed by a generic printer
driver.
[0026]
The printer 3A driver 202 is a printer driver for the printer
3A. The printer 3A driver 202 outputs the data input from the POS
application 201 as print data that can be printed by the printer 3A
based on commands that depend on the type of printer 3A (device) . Note
that printer 3A and the printer 3A driver 202 are devices that were
already installed on the POS system before applying the system
improvements based on the invention.
[0027]
A s shown in FIG. 2 , the POS application 201 and printer 3A driver
202 reside on the application layer 220 on which programs execute
processes according to the operating system (OS) of the computer. Both
are rendered by programs stored in ROM that specify the content of
each process, and a CPU and other hardware components that execute
processes based on the programs.
[0028]
The virtual driver 210 is the part that acquires the print data
(referred to herein as the "source print data") output from the POS
application 201 to the printer 3A driver 202 before the data is received
by the printer 3A driver 202, and outputs directly in the standard
format to the communication port 209A set by the acquired print data.
[0029]
The virtual port 203 is the part that receives the source print
data output from the POS application 201 or virtual driver 210 at the
OS kernel layer 230 where the operating system resides before the data
is received by the communication port 209. The virtual port 203 passes
the acquired source print data to the port handler 204.
[0030]
The port handler 204, data interpreter 205, data processor 206,
command converter 207 , and data storage unit 208 are function expansion
units that use the source print data, and POS application 201 functions
are expanded by the processes executed b y these parts.
[0031]
The port handler 204 passes the source print data received from
the virtual port 203 to the data interpreter 205, and runs a process
that receives print data output from the function expansion process
(referred to here as the "processed print data") and outputs the
processed print data to the communication port 209 appropriate to the
data.
[0032]
The data interpreter 205 is a part that analyzes the source print
data and determines the content of the function expansion process,
and determines the communication port 209 that outputs the processed
print data.
[0033]
The data processor 206 is a part that processes the source print
data according to the process content determinedby the data interpreter
205.
[0034]
The command converter 207 is a part that converts print data to
commands that can be processed by the printer 3 connected to the
communication port 209 from which the processed print data is output.
[0035]
The data storage unit 208 is a part that stores data used by the
data interpreter 205 and data processor 206. In this embodiment logo
data is stored, for example, and is used when adding a logo to source
print data for a receipt that does not have a logo. Note that the data
storage unit 208 is a hard disk drive or other storage device.
[0036]
Specific steps in the processes executedby the function expansion
units are described below.
[0037]
Note that the virtual driver 210, virtual port 203, port handler
204, data interpreter 205, data processor 206, and command converter
207 are rendered by respective programs stored in ROM that describe
theprocesses executedby each unit, andaCPU, for example, that executes
the processes according to the programs. These are also equivalent
to function expansion units of the invention.
[0038]
Communication ports 209A and 209B are disposed to the physical
device layer 240 of the POS terminal 2 , and are respectively connected
to printers 3A and 3B. In this example communication port 209A is a
COM port for serial communication, and communication port 209B is a
USB communication port for USB communication. Regarding the printers
3 , printer 3A is a monochrome printer and printer 3B is a color printer,
for example. In addition, as noted above, printer 3A is an existing
printer that has been installed since before improvement based on the
invention, and printer 3B is a printer that was newly installed in
conjunction with the improvement based on the invention.
[0039]
Note, further, that there are two communication ports 209 and
two printers 3 are connected to the POS terminal 2 in this embodiment,
but the number of connected communication ports 209 and printers 3
is not so limited, and there may be one or three or more of each.
[0040]
A feature of the POS terminal 2 configured as described above
is in the function expansion process of the POS application using the
source print data, and specific steps in this process are described
below. FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the steps in the function expansion
process. First, as described above, the source print data is output
from the POS application 201 directly to the printer 3A driver 202
or to the communication port 209A (step SI) . The source print data
is output from the printer 3A, and in this example the source print
data is print data for a receipt, and the communication port 209A is
specified as the output communication port. In addition, the source
print data output to the printer 3A driver 202 is in a standard format
as described above, and the source print data output to the communication
port 209A is in the form of commands specific to the printer 3A.
[0041]
The source print data output to the printer 3A driver 202 is then
acquired by the virtual driver 210 before being received by the printer
3A driver 202 (step S2 ).This step is achievedby configuring the registry
settings so that the name of the virtual driver 210 is the name of
the printer 3A, and the name of the printer 3A is set to a separate
name, and this configuration change is made when the OS boots up.
[0042]
The virtual driver 210 then sends the acquired source print data
in the same standard format to the communication port 209A set in the
data (step S2) .
[0043]
The source print data sent from the virtual driver 210 or output
from the POS application 201 directly to the communication port 209A
is received by the virtual port 203 on the OS kernel layer 230 before
reaching the specified communication port 209A (step S3) . This step
is achieved by changing the registry settings (priority settings) so
that data output to any communication port 209 is first received by
the virtual port 203, and this configuration change is made when the
OS boots up. The received source print data is then passed from the
virtual port 203 to the port handler 204 on the application layer 220
(step S3) .
[0044]
The port handler 204 then passes the received source print data
to the data interpreter 205 (step S4). The data interpreter 205
interprets the commands in the source print data, and analyzes the
data content (step S5) . The data interpreter 205 interprets data in
the standard format when the source print data is sent through the
virtual driver 210, and otherwise interprets commands for the printer
3A. The data interpreter 205 determines the content of the function
expansion process (process content) and the output communication port
209 based on the results of this analysis.
[0045]
More specifically, the data interpreter 205 determines the type
ofprintout producedby the source print data (such as a receipt, coupon,
or journal), checks if specif ic data (text string or image) is contained
in the source print data, or determines the content of specific data
in the source print data, for example, and determines the content of
processes that are predefined according to the results of these
operations .The data interpreter 205 also determines the communication
port 209 corresponding to the printer 3 suited to outputting the
processed print data obtained from these processes. The content of
the function expansion process may include, for example, changing the
content printed by the print data (such as adding or deleting data) ,
changing the output printer 3 , generating new Output, or using
information contained in the print data for other purposes, and the
specific content is predefined from among these .Amore specific example
of function expansion is described below.
[0046]
The output device communication port 209 selected by the data
interpreter 205 is reported to the port handler 204, and the content
of the function expansion process (process content) is reported to
the data processor 206. The data interpreter 205 also references data
stored in the data storage unit 208 as needed by the process steps.
For example, information linking the results of the above analysis
to process content is stored in the data storage unit 208. Note that
if the process content and output device are fixed irrespective of
the source print data, the data interpreter 205 is not required and
the source print data is passed from the port handler 204 to the data
processor 206.
[0047]
Next, the data processor 206 processes the source print data (step
S6) . More specifically, the data processor 206 processes the print
data according to the previously determined content of the function
expansion process, and generates processed print data. A specific
example of this process is described below. Data in the data storage
unit 208 may also be referenced as needed in this process. When there
are plural operations to perform, the data processor 206 may include
plural processing units corresponding to the content o f the individual
processes. In addition, if the data interpreter 205 determines that
data processing (function expansion) is not performed, the data
processor 206 does not perform a processing operation.
[0048]
The processed print data generated by the data processor 206 is
then passed to the command converter 207 . The command converter 207
runs a process that converts the processed print data to commands for
the output printer 3 (step S7) . Because the output communication port
209 is determined by the data interpreter 205 as described above, the
processed print data is converted to commands specific to the printer
3 connected to that communication port 209. If the source print data
passes through the virtual driver 210, a process that converts the
standard format to commands specific to the printer 3 is performed.
[0049]
If the source print data does not pass through the virtual driver
210, the command converter 207 executes aprocess that converts commands
for printer 3A-to commands for the output printer 3 . For example, the
commands may be converted to commands for printer 3B . Note that if
printer 3B uses the same commands as printer 3A, or if the output printer
is printer 3A, this conversion process is not performed.
[0050]
The processed print data is then passed to the port handler 204.
Note that if command conversion is not required, print data sent from
the data processor 206 is passed to the port handler 204.
[0051]
The port handler 204 then outputs the received processed print
data that was received to the selected communication port 209 (step
S8) . In this embodiment of the invention the port handler 204 outputs
to communication port 209A and/or communication port 209B. Note that
when a function expansion process is not executed, the source print
data is output to the originally specified communication port 209
(communication port 209A in this example) .
[0052]
The print data is then sent from the communication port 209 to
the connected printer 3 , the printer 3 prints according to the received
print data, and a receipt or other printout is output (step S9) . For
example, a monochrome printout is obtained if output from printer 3A,
and a color printout is obtained if output from printer 3B.
[0053]
The function expansion process of this POS terminal 2 is executed
as described above. A more specific example of a function expansion
program is described below.
[0054]
An example of a process that changes the content printed by the
above print data is applied to the source print data to reduce or
eliminate the line space between printed text strings in order to reduce
paper output and conserve resources. This process determines the
content of the process based on the type of printout identified b y
the data interpreter 205, and the data processor 206 then executes
the process.
[0055]
A store logo could also be added to receipts or coupons In this
case, too, the data interpreter 205 determines the process based on
the type of printout identified, and the data processor 206 runs a
process that reads image data for a logo stored in the data storage
unit 208 and adds the logo to the source print data.
[0056]
Another example s changing all or part of monochrome source print
data to color print data . In this case the process content is determined
based on the type o f printout identified by the data interpreter 205,
or detection of specific data for adding color, and the data processor
206 then runs a process to change the intended part to color data.
Because the printer 3 that produces the output is also changed in this
embodiment, the process of the command converter 207 will also be
executed.
[0057]
An example of function expansion that primarily changes the output
printer 3 is described next .Changing the output device of all printouts
or some printouts for output on a new printer 3 with higher print quality
may be desirable. If the print quality of printer 3B is higher in this
embodiment of the invention, the source print data is changed to data
for printing on printer 3B, and the output address is changed to
communication port 209B.
[0058]
Output to plural printers 3 (duplicate printing) is also possible .
In this case the data processor 206 duplicates the source print data
according to the output count, and the command converter 207 converts
print commands according to the output device used for each copy. In
this example the same printout is produced by both printer 3A and printer
3B. Another process may also be combined with the process that changes
data content so that, for example, a color logo is added to the data
output from printer 3B.
[0059]
The output device can also be changed according to the print data
content. For example, when order tickets are output in a restaurant
and different dishes are prepared at different stations, the data
interpreter 205 determines the station where the order ticket should
be output based on the content of the source print data, and selects
the printer 3 installed at that station as the output device. If the
source print data contains orders that are prepared at plural different
stations, the order tickets are separated by station, and individual
order tickets could be output from the printers 3 installed at the
respective stations.
[0060]
An example of creating a new printout could be a process that
produces a new coupon when the source print data is receipt data and
a specific product is contained in the print data. For example, if
data for a product for which a coupon should be issued is detected
in the source print data, the data interpreter 205 determines that
the source print data should be printed directly by printer 3A for
monochrome printing, and a coupon related to that product should be
printed in color by printer 3B .Basedon this decision, the dataprocessor
206 reads coupon data stored in data storage unit 208 and generates
print data for the coupon. The command converter 207 also operates
as needed, and a receipt and a coupon are output.
[0061]
Another example of function expansion may acquire and use
information contained in the source print data for another purpose.
For example, when the source print data is receipt data, information
about the products sold and time of sale, for example, could be collected
and tabulated, and the information could be supplied to a system
(application) that creates marketing plans. In this case the data
processor 206 acquires and tabulates the information.
[0062]
A s described above, a POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment
of the invention can expand the functions of a POS system of which
a main function is creating printout using print data output from the
POS application 201. An existing POS terminal and POS system can be
relatively easily improved to the POS terminal 2 described above and
a POS system using the POS terminal 2 .
[0063]
FIG. 4 describes such an improvement. This figure shows the same
functional components as in FIG. 2 with the solid lines indicating
a POS terminal and POS system that do not execute the function expansion
process described above. More ^specifically, the system before
improvement receives print data output directly from the POS
application 201 or through the printer driver 202 at the communication
port 209A, and outputs the printout from printer 3A. The POS terminal
2 according to this embodiment of the invention and a POS system using
the same can be achieved by adding the parts denoted by dotted lines
to this existing system.
[0064]
More specifically, the function o f an existing POS system can
be extended by a process that does not use the existing printer driver
(202) by adding the function expansion program, the data stored in
the data storage unit 208, and a new printer 3B as described above
without changing the existing POS application 201. This improvement
(addition) can be done by installing a new printer 3B and printer driver
software including the data and function expansion program described
above .Note, further, that a configuration that does not have the printer
3A driver 202 and printer 3A after this improvement is also possible.
[0065]
The function expansion method o f the invention as described above
can thus be used to expand the functions of a POS system in many ways
by means of a simple method that does not involve changing the existing
POS application program. In addition, because the main function
expansion process executes on the application layer of the computer,
programs that perform a variety of processes can be easily developed.
[0066]
Furthermore, because the process does not use the existing printer
driver (printer 3A driver 202), outputting through a printer other
than printer 3A, such as using printer 3B in this case, is not a problem.
[0067]
Processing is also simple when the process passes through the
virtual driver 210 because the data to be processed is in the standard
format described above.
[0068]
The process can also be run when the existing printer driver is
deleted after the system is improved as described above.
[0069]
The POS server 1 is connected to plural POS terminals 2 in the
embodiment described above, but the invention is not so limited and
can be adapted to an environment in which a POS terminal and printer
are connected.
[0070]
The foregoing embodiment of the invention describes a POS system
by way of example, but the invention is not limited to POS systems
and can be applied toother types of systems having a specific application
that includes outputting printed materials from a printer, including
systems used in hospitals and shipping companies, for example, and
the invention is particularly useful when modifying an existing
application program is difficult.
[0071]
The POS application program and programs for function expansion
processes are storedinROMin the foregoing embodiment byway of example,
but storing these programs is not limited to ROM devices, and RAM,
a hard disk drive, or other storage media can be used. The programs
can also be stored on separate storage media.
[0072]
The scope of the invention is not limited to the foregoing
embodiments, and includes the invention described in the accompanying
claims and equivalents thereof.
Industrial Applicability
[0073]
A s described above, the invention is advantageous in function
expansion methods for expanding the function of an existing application
using print data output from the application, and is suited to function
expansion methods that can easily enable adding various functions
without changing the existing application program and without using
an existing printer driver.
Reference Signs List
[0074]
POS server 1
POS terminal 2
printer 3
network 4
POS terminal device 21
display 22
keyboard 23
barcode reader 24
card reader 25
POS application 201
driver for printer 3A 202
virtual port 203
port handler 20
data interpreter 205
data processor 206
command converter 207
data storage unit 208
communication port 209
virtual driver 210
application layer 220
OS kernel layer 230
physical device layer 240
CLAIMS
[Claim 1 ]
A function expansion method that executes a process that expands
the function of an application on a computer that operates according
to an operating system on the operating system kernel layer, executes
a specific process according to the application on an application layer,
and has one or more communication ports, the function expansion method
characterized by comprising:
a virtual driver step in which the computer acquires print data
output from the application to a printer driver before the print data
is received by the printer driver, and sends the print data to the
communication port specified in the print data;
a virtual port step in which the computer acquires on the OS kernel
layer print data sent to the communication port, or print data output
from the application to the communication port, before the print data
is received by the communication port, and relays the acquired print
data to the application layer; and
a function expansion step in which the computer applies a process
that expands the function of the relayed print data on the application
layer, and outputs the print data after processing to the communication
port suited to the data.
[Claim 2 ]
The function expansion method described in claim 1 , characterized
by:
the function expansion step including a step of analyzing the
relayed print data, and determining the content of the function
expansion process and the communication port used for output based
on the result of the analysis.
[Claim 3 ]
The function expansion method described in claim 1 or 2 ,
characterized by:
the function expansion step including a step of converting the
relayed print data to commands for the printer connected to the
communication port that outputs the data.
[Claim 4 ]
The function expansion method described in any of claims 1 to
3 , characterized by:
the content of the function expansion process including any of
a group of operations including changing the content printed by the
print data, changing the output communication port, generating print
data for a new printout, and acquiring information from the print data .
[Claim 5 ]
A function expansion device that includes a computer that operates
according to an operating system on the operating system kernel layer,
executes a specific process according to the application on an
application layer, and has one or more communication ports, the function
expansion device executing a process that expands the function of the
application and characterized by comprising:
a virtual driver that acquires print data output from the
application to a printer driver before the print data is received by
the printer driver, and sends the print data to the communication port
specified in the print data;
a virtual port that acquires on the OS kernel layer print data
sent to the communication port, or print data output from the application
to the communication port, before the print data is received by the
communication port, and relays the acquired print data to the
application layer; and
a function expansion unit that applies a process that expands
the function of the relayed print data on the application layer, and
outputs the print data after processing to the communication port suited
t o the data.
[Claim 6 ]
The function expansion device described in claim 5 , characterized
by:
the function expansion unit analyzing the relayed print data and
determining the content o f the function expansion process and the
communication port used for output based on the result of the analysis .
[Claim 7 ]
The function expansion device described in claim 5 or 6 ,
characterized by:
the function expansion unit converting the relayed print data
to commands for the printer connected to the communication port that
outputs the data,.
[Claim 8 ]
The function expansion device described in any of claims 5 to
7 , characterized by:
the content o f the function expansion process including any o f
a group of operations including changing the content printed b y the
print data, changing the output communication port, generating print
data for a new printout, and acquiring information from the print data .