Mobile Printing via Encoded Printer Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for printing from mobile devices are limited to local network printing devices, requiring tedious printer discovery, driver selection, and interface navigation, which can be time-consuming and difficult due to simple user interfaces and limited functionality of multi-functional peripherals (MFPs).
Innovation Solution
Utilizing encoded data displayed by printing devices, such as QR codes, to identify available printers and queue printing jobs at a network service, allowing mobile devices to scan or photograph this data to facilitate printing by retrieving the job from a cloud-based repository, which processes print settings and documents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional printer discovery methods are used, then printing can be performed on local network devices, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming due to manual interface navigation
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile application serves as an intermediary between the user and the printing device. The app automatically discovers printers, retrieves encoded data from the printer's display, and manages the printing job without requiring users to navigate complex printer interfaces manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual copies of the printer interface (encoded data displayed on the printer screen) that can be captured and processed by the mobile application. This allows the complex printer interface information to be copied into a simpler digital format for automated processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If printer discovery is limited to local network, then network complexity is reduced, but printing capability is restricted to nearby devices only
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile application acts as a bridge between users and printers regardless of network location. It handles network connectivity automatically, allowing users to print on remote devices without manually configuring network settings or understanding complex network topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-discovery and self-configuration automatically. The mobile app detects available printers, retrieves their encoded data, and establishes connections without requiring user intervention in network setup, making the system self-sufficient regardless of network complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users navigate unfamiliar printer interfaces, then specific printer features can be accessed, but user experience deteriorates due to lack of familiarity
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures visual representations (encoded data) of the printer interface and translates them into a standardized format that the mobile application can process. This creates a universal interface layer that abstracts away the complexity of different printer manufacturers and models.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile application provides a universal interface that works across different printer types and manufacturers. Instead of requiring users to learn each printer's specific interface, the app presents a consistent, familiar interface that adapts to the underlying printer's capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for displaying encoded data that represent a) features and options currently supported by a printing device, b) a printer identifier for the printing device, and c) network service interface data for a network service, wherein the network service interface data allow a mobile device to send print settings selection data and electronic document identification data to the network service; and processing print data and causing a printed version of an electronic document represented by the print data to be printed by the printing device.