Cloud Printing System with Format Conversion Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile printing methods require users to download printing applications and transmit files through a manufacturer's cloud server, leading to complex processes and long printing times, resulting in a poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A cloud printing method and system that involves sending a print request to a first server, determining if the target printer supports the file, and either transmitting the file directly for supported printers or converting the file format through a printer manufacturer server for unsupported printers, allowing for efficient print job execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If files are transmitted through a manufacturer's cloud server for processing, then printing compatibility is improved, but transmission time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud server as an intermediary that receives print requests from first applications (instant messaging apps), determines printer compatibility, and routes files appropriately. This mediator enables printing compatibility without requiring users to download dedicated printing applications, while the smart routing minimizes transmission time by sending compatible files directly and only routing incompatible files through format conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the printing process into two distinct paths: a fast path for compatible file formats that transmits files directly from the first server to the printer, and a conversion path for incompatible formats that routes files through the printer manufacturer server for format conversion. This segmentation allows the system to minimize transmission time for the majority of compatible files while maintaining support for diverse printing needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated printing application is downloaded, then printing functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the first application (instant messaging application) universal by enabling it to handle both messaging and printing functions. The cloud server provides multi-functional support by detecting printer compatibility, routing files appropriately, and performing format conversion when needed. This eliminates the need for users to download separate printing applications while maintaining comprehensive printing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting printer compatibility, determining the appropriate transmission path, and performing format conversion when necessary. Users simply click to print from the first application without needing to understand the underlying process, select applications, or configure settings. The cloud server handles all printing-related operations autonomously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If file format conversion is performed through printer manufacturer server, then printing compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud server acts as an intermediary that intelligently routes files based on format compatibility. For compatible formats, files are transmitted directly without involving the printer manufacturer server. For incompatible formats, the system automatically routes files through the printer manufacturer server for format conversion. This intermediary approach maintains printing compatibility while minimizing the involvement of complex conversion infrastructure.
4Productivity
If direct file transmission is used for supported printers, then printing speed is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing system into multiple transmission paths: a direct transmission path for compatible file formats that achieves high printing speed, and a conversion path through the printer manufacturer server for incompatible formats that ensures broad adaptability. The cloud server automatically selects the appropriate path based on format compatibility, allowing the system to optimize for speed when possible while maintaining adaptability for all formats.
Data Source
AI summary
A cloud printing method and a cloud printing system includes: sending a print request to a first server when a file is clicked at first application of a client to execute printing; determining whether a target printer supports printing the file; transmitting the file to the target printer to execute printout of the file based on that the target printer supports printing the file; transmitting the file to a printer manufacturer server or to a second application based on that the target printer does not support printing the file; converting a data format of the file into a data format supported by the target printer to generate a print job; sending the print request to the target printer, and transmitting the print job to the target printer to execute printout of the print job.