Intermediary Printing System for Multi-Cloud Service Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cloud printing systems face challenges in supporting multiple cloud printing services, leading to issues such as compatibility problems, registration complexities, and maintenance difficulties for administrators, particularly in enterprise environments with diverse operating systems and cloud platforms.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a first printing system cooperates with a second printing system by using a storage to manage print data, reception and transmission units to handle print requests and data, and configuration information to facilitate seamless printing across different cloud services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a printing apparatus supports multiple cloud printing services, then the adaptability and versatility of the printing apparatus is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple communication and control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that acts as a bridge between multiple cloud printing services and the printing apparatus. This intermediary handles the complexity of communicating with different cloud services, allowing the printing apparatus to support multiple services without directly implementing complex communication functions for each service. The intermediary translates and manages print jobs from various cloud platforms to the printing apparatus.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the printing apparatus includes comprehensive communication and control functions to support multiple cloud printing services, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation and maintenance deteriorates for administrators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface and standardized protocol layer that allows the printing apparatus to interact with multiple cloud printing services through a common mechanism. This multi-functionality layer handles diverse service requirements uniformly, simplifying the user experience and administrative operations while maintaining broad compatibility. Administrators deal with a single standardized interface rather than multiple service-specific configurations.
3Device complexity
If the printing apparatus is designed to work with specific cloud printing services, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different cloud platforms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional layers: a simplified printing apparatus with basic print capabilities, an intermediary layer that handles cloud service communication, and multiple cloud platform interfaces. This segmentation allows the printing apparatus itself to remain simple while the intermediary layer provides the adaptability to work with multiple cloud platforms. Each layer has a specific responsibility, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A first printing system configured to cooperate with a second printing system includes a first reception unit configured to receive a first request relating to printing from a first printing apparatus, a first transmission unit configured to transmit, to the first printing apparatus, print data corresponding to a user that is an issuer of the first request, a second reception unit configured to receive a second request relating to printing from a client terminal based on acquisition of configuration information about a second printing apparatus which is to be a printing target on the client terminal, and a second transmission unit configured to transmit, to the second printing system managing the second printing apparatus, print data corresponding to a user that is an issuer of the second request so that the second printing apparatus specified by the configuration information prints the print data.