Printing Control Server Wireless LAN Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cloud computing systems for printing lack the ability to allow an unspecified large number of users to easily access and use printers connected to a wireless LAN without direct communication with the printer or connection to the LAN access point, as they require specific registration and communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A printing control server that stores printer identifiers linked to wireless LAN identifiers, enabling search requests from any wireless terminal to acquire and transmit printing requests to the appropriate printer, even if the terminal is not directly connected to the LAN, using SSID or BSSID as unique identifiers for wireless LAN access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a printer is registered in the printing system with email address allocation, then any user knowing the email address can use the printer, but it becomes difficult to allow unspecified large number of users to easily access the printer without specific registration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless LAN identifier (SSID/BSSID) as an intermediary between the printer and users. Instead of requiring individual user registration with email addresses, the system uses the wireless LAN identifier as a collective key that allows any terminal detecting the wireless LAN to access the printer. The printing control server mediates between the search request containing the wireless LAN identifier and the printer registration information, automatically matching them without user intervention.
2Ease of operation
If direct communication with the printer or connection to LAN access point is required, then printing control can be maintained, but arbitrary users cannot easily access the printer from outside the LAN
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless LAN identifier acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between external users and the printer. Terminals outside the wireless LAN can detect the SSID/BSSID of the wireless LAN to which the printer is connected, and use this identifier to search for and access the printer through the printing control server without needing to physically connect to the wireless LAN or communicate directly with the printer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a copy of the wireless LAN identifier (SSID/BSSID) as a reference key to identify and access the printer. Instead of requiring direct physical connection or complex authentication, the terminal uses the copied wireless LAN identifier information to locate and communicate with the printer through the server, simplifying the access process while maintaining system control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If printer registration requires specific protocols and direct connection, then system control is maintained, but user freedom and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service access by allowing terminals to automatically detect the wireless LAN identifier and use it to search for and access the printer without manual registration or complex protocol configuration. The printing control server automatically processes the search request, matches the wireless LAN identifier with registered printers, and establishes the printing connection, eliminating the need for users to understand or configure communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing control server includes a storage section which stores a printer identifier and a network identifier so as to be linked, a search response section which acquires the network identifier from a transmission origin of a search request when the search request has been received and transmits information, which is able to determine the printer identifier stored so as to be linked to the acquired network identifier, to the transmission origin of the search request, a printing request reception section which receives a printing request which includes a printing target and is linked to a printer identifier, a printing data preparation section which prepares printing data based on the printing target, and a printing data transmission section which transmits the printing data to the printer which corresponds to the printer identifier which is linked to the printing request.