Leading Printer Manufacture Case Study
Client Profile
Our client is a reputable imaging brand, and a leading manufacturer of high-volume photo printers used in production environments and premium photo shops worldwide. They emphasize robust support for a diverse range of capabilities and provide localized assistance tailored to each market.
Project Needs
The client engaged Everest Consultants to design and develop a Windows print driver for their new thermal photo printer.
Challenges
- Support for Various Image Sizes and Formats:
The new printer had to accommodate modern imaging requirements, including small selfie-sized images and large panoramic formats. - Legacy System Support:
The existing customer base included users on older Windows systems. The new printer was required to replace aging models while simultaneously expanding support for the latest Windows systems. - Driver Architecture Transition:
A highly customized V3 renderer module needed to be re-engineered for a V4 XPS filter with a bi-directional approach.
Technology and Tools
- Development Environment:
Visual Studio 2015, VB.NET, Windows Driver Kit v1703, Photoshop, Team Foundation Server. - Operating Systems:
Windows XP, 7 x64, 7 x86, 8.1 x64, 8.1 x86, 10 x64, 10 x86, 11 x64 and 2000 server. - Architectures:
V3 and V4 printer-driver - Kodak Printers Used:
605, 6800, 6850, 6900, 6950 Moments, 7000, 7010, 7015, 8810, and D4000 Duplex - Tracking and Testing:
JIRA (bug tracking), WinDbg, Device Test Manager (DTM)
Results
By leveraging expertise in printer and device driver development, Everest Consultants successfully addressed the needs of both legacy and modern Windows systems. We delivered printer drivers using both Microsoft’s V3 and V4 architectures. Key outcomes included:
Enhanced User Experience
The V4 driver improved print quality and user satisfaction while ensuring compatibility with future Microsoft driver architecture.
Firmware Issue Resolution
The team assisted the client in resolving firmware issues related to interactions between print drivers and various Windows operating systems.
Feature-Rich Drivers
The drivers included:
High-quality and high-speed image printing
Robust performance tailored for the photo-imaging industry
Increased localization support for international business opportunities
Compatibility with both legacy and future Windows 32- and 64-bit systems
Options for glossy or satin finishes
Support for multiple print sizes (including 4×6, 5×7, 6×8, 5×15, 6×20, and panoramas)
Dynamic colour adjustment settings (brightness, contrast, saturation, gamma, RGB)
User notifications for printer errors, such as open covers or paper shortages
Everest's Expertise
With over 25 years of experience and a global team of experts, Everest delivers innovative solutions for client success. Whether it’s custom application development, engineering services, or offshore outsourcing, Everest empowers businesses to optimize their operations and achieve their goals.