Proxy Server Label Conversion for Mobile Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile browsers lack the capability to directly connect with printing devices, limiting their ability to print documents like bar codes, proof of insurance, and medical records that require specific printing formats and personal information.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a proxy server that obtains a web page with a label from a web server, converts it into a portable data file, and transmits it to a mobile computing device's designated email address, enabling the creation and emailing of portable data files with custom information, such as descriptions and logos, which can be printed later on a desktop device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile browsers are used to access web-based printing applications, then portability and accessibility are improved, but the ability to print documents with specific formats and personal information deteriorates due to lack of direct connection with printing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the mobile device and the printing device. The server receives the document from the mobile browser, processes it with the required printing format and personal information, then transmits it to the printing device. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling printing functionality without requiring direct connection between mobile browser and printer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the printing functionality into separate components: the mobile device handles document access and initiation, the server handles document processing and format conversion, and the printing device handles actual printing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function, maintaining portability while enabling full printing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If desktop browsers are used to access web-based printing applications, then printing functionality is improved, but portability and mobile accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The server is designed to handle multiple functions: receiving documents from any device type (mobile or desktop), processing them with appropriate formats, and transmitting to various printing devices. This universal approach allows the system to maintain full printing functionality while being accessible from portable mobile devices, eliminating the need to choose between portability and printing capability.
3Ease of operation
If labels are converted into portable data files for email transmission, then document portability and accessibility are improved, but the complexity of the system increases due to additional conversion and transmission steps
Solution Approach 1:
The server automatically performs the conversion of labels into portable data files (such as PDF) and handles the email transmission without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the complex tasks of format conversion, email composition, and transmission, thereby improving document portability while minimizing the perceived complexity for the end user.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer readable medium and device that enables emailing a label as a portable data file to destination information associated with a mobile computing device includes obtaining at a proxy server device a web page with a label from a web server device in response to a request from a mobile computing device. The proxy server device obtains destination information for the label associated with the requesting mobile computing device. The proxy server device converts the label into a portable data file and transmits the portable data file using the destination information for the label associated with the requesting mobile computing device.