Cloud Print Access Across Shared MFP Accounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in printing or scanning documents on multifunctional peripheral devices (MFPs) located at different locations, as they are not registered with the cloud service account for that location, limiting their access to these devices when they move to a different office or visit a hotel or shop.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users registered with one cloud service account to use another cloud service account they are not registered with, enabling printing and scanning at MFPs through a 'print as service' feature, utilizing a mobile device connected via a mobile network or internal network to access and authenticate with the cloud service, and utilizing a global wallet for payment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users are registered with a cloud service account for a specific location, then they can print and scan at MFPs at that location, but they cannot access MFPs at different locations where they are not registered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cloud service account system that allows a single user account to access MFPs across multiple locations. Instead of requiring separate location-specific accounts, the system enables users to authenticate once and print or scan at any enabled MFP globally, making the account system multi-functional and location-agnostic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cloud service intermediary that mediates between users and MFPs at different locations. The cloud service acts as a central broker that receives authentication credentials from users, validates them, and then enables access to appropriate MFPs regardless of location, eliminating the need for direct location-specific registration
2Productivity
If companies want to receive payment for MFP usage, then they can generate additional revenue, but users face additional payment steps and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic payment processing where the system itself handles billing without requiring manual user intervention. Users simply print or scan as needed, and the cloud service automatically charges their account based on usage, eliminating the need for users to manually initiate payment processes or select payment methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent requires users to have payment methods pre-configured in their cloud service accounts before they need to print or scan. This preliminary setup of payment information allows for seamless automatic charging during actual usage, combining revenue generation with operational simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system includes a cloud service configured to manage a first cloud service account and a second cloud service account, a printing apparatus connected to the cloud service and registered with the first cloud service account, and a mobile device connected to the cloud service and controlled by a user registered with the second cloud service account. The mobile device is configured to send print information to the cloud service in accordance with a print instruction for printing a document received from the user using the mobile device. The cloud service is configured create a print job from the print information received from the mobile device, and based on account information associated with the first cloud service account and the second cloud service account, determine whether to send the print job to the printing apparatus for printing.