Messaging Service Intermediary for Network Print Data Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing network print services require membership registration, which is time-consuming and burdensome, and lack efficient methods for managing multiple service accounts, making it difficult to output data from image forming apparatuses without additional registration processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows data output by attaching data to a message posted on a messaging service, utilizing a terminal, communication server, relay server, and print server to associate identification information with output data, enabling data output from an image forming apparatus without requiring new membership registrations, while allowing the service side to track the data source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If membership registration is required for network print service, then the service can track the sending source of data, but the user burden and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a messaging service as an intermediary between the user terminal and the print server. The messaging service handles data transmission and forwarding without requiring the user to register for the print service. The print server receives data through the messaging service's infrastructure, enabling tracking and data delivery while maintaining user anonymity and avoiding additional registration burden.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple service memberships are required, then each service can be managed independently, but the complexity of password management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the messaging service universal by enabling it to handle multiple functions: it serves as both a communication platform and a data transmission channel for the print service. The messaging service's existing authentication and user management infrastructure is reused for print data transmission, eliminating the need for separate print service credentials while maintaining service independence through API-based integration.
3Ease of operation
If no membership registration is required, then the user burden is reduced, but the service cannot identify the sending source of data
Solution Approach 1:
The messaging service acts as an intermediary that preserves sending source information without requiring the end user to register for the print service. The messaging service's platform identifies the user based on their existing messaging account, and this identification is transmitted to the print server through the data transmission process, enabling source tracking while maintaining user convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
An output method for receiving output data that is associated with acquired identification information from a server and outputting an image based on the output data from an image forming apparatus is provided. The output method includes: accepting posting of a message from a terminal to a messaging service; sending attachment data to the server when the message includes the attachment data; and issuing identification information that is associated with output data based on the attachment data when the attachment data is in a format that can be accepted for registration.