Server-Mediated Print Command Translation for Offline Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems fail to construct a functional print system when the document output apparatus cannot be coupled to the Internet or when the document processing subsystem cannot transmit output data matching the command system, leading to incomplete printing operations.
Innovation Solution
A printing system comprising a printing apparatus, a print control apparatus with a printer driver, a server, and a terminal apparatus, where the terminal reads identification information from a medium attached to the printing apparatus and transmits this information to the server, which then sends print commands to the print control apparatus to create and transmit print data to the printing apparatus for execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the document output apparatus is directly connected to the Internet to enable cloud printing, then printing functionality is improved, but system complexity and coupling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component between the terminal apparatus and the document output apparatus. The server receives print data from the terminal, processes it, and transmits it to the document output apparatus through a document processing subsystem. This mediator approach enables printing functionality without requiring direct Internet connection or complex coupling between the terminal and output apparatus, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Productivity
If the document processing subsystem transmits output data directly to the document output apparatus, then printing speed is improved, but compatibility issues arise when command systems do not match
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a command system translator and adapter in the transmission path. It receives print data from the terminal apparatus, converts it into the appropriate command system format, and then transmits it to the document output apparatus. This intermediary processing ensures compatibility between different command systems while maintaining efficient printing throughput, resolving the contradiction between printing speed and compatibility.
3Reliability
If the document output apparatus is isolated from the Internet to maintain security and simplicity, then system reliability is improved, but printing capability from remote terminals is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as a secure intermediary that enables remote printing capability without requiring the document output apparatus to be directly connected to the Internet. The isolated output apparatus communicates only with the local document processing subsystem, while the server handles all Internet-facing operations including receiving print data from terminal apparatus and translating commands. This architecture maintains system reliability through isolation while providing remote printing capability through the mediating server.
Data Source
AI summary
In a printing system, a smartphone reads a printer ID and transmits a smartphone's print command that includes the read printer ID and a user ID to a server; the server transmits a server's print command that includes the printer ID included in the received smartphone's print command to an office PC associated with the user ID included in the received smartphone's print command; the office PC creates print data based on the print job received from the server, according to the received server's print command; and a printer performs printing according to the received print data.