Mobile Device Printing via Printer Server
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices face difficulties in printing documents outside their fixed location due to the complexity of installing printer drivers and limited storage capacity, which restricts their ability to convert and output files such as Microsoft Word and PDF documents.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device equipped with a Bluetooth adapter that acquires printer information to control printing operations by connecting to a printer server, allowing files to be transmitted and printed without the need for separate printer drivers or application programs, using Internet Protocol (IP) addresses for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a printer driver is installed in a mobile communication device, then printing capability is enabled, but device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the mobile communication device and the printer. The server stores printer driver information and manages the printing process, allowing the mobile device to print without having the printer driver installed locally. This resolves the contradiction by enabling printing capability while keeping the mobile device simple and free of additional software installations.
2Ease of operation
If a mobile communication device is used outside a fixed location, then mobility is improved, but printing capability deteriorates due to inability to access printer drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal printing system where the server acts as a central hub that can interface with multiple different printers and multiple mobile devices. The server stores printer driver information that can be accessed by any mobile device, enabling printing capability to be maintained across different locations and devices without requiring each device to have specific printer drivers installed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If storage capacity is increased to install application programs, then file conversion capability is improved, but device cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the file conversion functionality from the mobile communication device and relocates it to the server. The server performs the necessary file conversions and generates printable formats, while the mobile device only needs to transmit the original file and receive the converted output. This resolves the contradiction by enabling file conversion capability without requiring additional storage capacity in the mobile device.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication device storing a file to be printed, the mobile communication device including: a communication unit to receive printer information of a printer; a network interface unit to connect to a printer server corresponding to the printer information received through the communication unit; and a control unit to transmit the file to be printed to the printer through the printer server according to the received printer information. Accordingly, users can print files using a mobile communication device while traveling away from a fixed printer.