Configurable Print Server Transcoding Mobile Jobs to Legacy Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many printers lack network connectivity and cannot handle the diversity of printing formats from mobile computing and communication devices, requiring a host computer for firmware updates and direct connection for printing, which is less desirable with the rise of portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A configurable print server device with a network interface and communication interface that includes a print server manager to identify printer types, download and execute scripts to transcode print jobs and firmware, enabling network-connected devices to print directly to printers without a host computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a printer is directly connected to a host computer for printing operations, then printing functionality is achieved, but the printer cannot support network-connected mobile devices and diverse printing formats
Solution Approach 1:
A print server device is introduced as an intermediary between network-connected mobile devices and legacy printers. The print server receives print jobs from various mobile devices, transcodes them into appropriate printer languages, and forwards them to the printer. This mediator approach enables the printer to support diverse printing formats without modifying the printer's internal architecture, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a host computer is required for firmware updates, then printer operations are supported, but mobile devices cannot independently update printer firmware over a network
Solution Approach 1:
The print server device is equipped with the capability to autonomously download firmware updates from remote servers and transfer them to connected printers without requiring a host computer. The print server monitors printer firmware versions, retrieves updates automatically, and installs them on the printer, enabling self-service firmware updates that improve ease of operation while avoiding additional system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If printers lack native network connection capability, then device simplicity is maintained, but network-connected mobile devices cannot print directly to the printer
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three independent components: mobile devices with network connectivity, a print server device with network and printer interfaces, and legacy printers without network capability. This segmentation allows the printer to remain simple while the print server handles all network communication and protocol translation, enabling network printing capability without increasing printer structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In aspects of a configurable print server device, a print server device implements a print server manager that receives a print job request from a requesting device. When the print job request requires transcoding into a printer command set and/or printer language supported by a printer connected to the print server device, the print server manager transcodes the print job. The print server manager can download firmware for installation in a printer and download updated printer firmware from an update server over a network. The print server manager is configurable by executing a script with a script engine to manage print server operations of the print server device. Updated versions of scripts can be downloaded over a network from the update server.