Cloud Print Server Control for Location-Based Printer Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cloud print services require users to manually select a printer from a list every time they move to a new location, leading to inconvenience and potential errors due to outdated default printer settings.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilizes a print plug-in to automatically set a default printer based on the user's location, using QR codes or collaboration tool interactions to register and manage default printers, and integrates with cloud print services to facilitate seamless printing across multiple locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual printer selection from a list is implemented, then users can select any registered printer, but user burden increases and operation becomes time-consuming especially as the number of registered printers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinter selection flexibilityVSAvoiduser operation burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-registers multiple printers associated with different locations in advance. When a user moves to a new location, the system automatically detects the location and selects the corresponding pre-registered printer, eliminating the need for manual selection and reducing user burden while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic printer selection based on location information without requiring user intervention. The cloud server automatically matches the user's current location with registered printers and sets the appropriate default printer, allowing the system to serve itself rather than relying on manual user configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If a single default printer is registered per user, then the system is simple to manage, but the user must repeatedly perform default printer setting when moving to different locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem management complexityVSAvoidtime for reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the default printer based on the user's current location rather than maintaining a fixed single default printer. The cloud server stores multiple printer associations and automatically selects the appropriate printer based on real-time location information, making the system adaptive to user movement without increasing management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows a single user account to have multiple default printer configurations associated with different locations. This multi-functionality enables the user to access different printers at different locations without needing separate user accounts or manual reconfiguration, effectively multiplying the system's adaptability while maintaining simple user management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If default printer is not automatically updated when user moves locations, then system stability is maintained, but print output may be made from wrong printer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configuration stabilityVSAvoidcorrect printer selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms where location information is continuously monitored and fed back to the cloud server. The server compares current location with registered location-printer associations and automatically updates the default printer setting when a location change is detected, ensuring reliable printer selection while maintaining system stability through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes associations between locations and printers in advance. When the user moves to a new location, the system has already prepared the correct printer configuration and can immediately activate it without manual intervention, preventing wrong printer selection while maintaining stable automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4195022B1System, method for controlling server apparatus, and program
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 CANON KK
  • EP4195022B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4195022B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2F
  • EP4195022B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control method for controlling a second server apparatus (300) configured to communicate with a first server apparatus (400) and store a program is provided. The first server apparatus (400) is configured to provide a file sharing service. The program provides a function for printing a file having been uploaded to the first server apparatus (400). The control method includes: acquiring (S11000) network information of an information processing apparatus (100, 101) accessing the first server apparatus (400); selecting (S8002, and S11002 to S11007), based on the acquired network information, a piece of printer information from among pieces of printer information; and performing control (S8005, S11003 to S11007, and S11011) for causing the information processing apparatus (100, 101) to display an object displaying the selected piece of printer information and configured for receiving a selection of printer information from among the pieces of printer information.