Server-less Pull Printing via Mobile Terminal Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull printing systems require a dedicated server, are complex to manage, and difficult for small or medium-sized offices to install and operate, especially when multiple multifunction printers (MFPs) are involved, and pose challenges when trying to print from MFPs outside the network.
Innovation Solution
A server-less pull printing method using a mobile terminal that discovers and communicates with MFPs via phone number, allowing print job data to be transmitted directly to the mobile terminal or a relay server for external access, enabling printing without a dedicated server infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated server is installed to enable pull printing, then printing functionality is achieved, but system complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the server functionality from the traditional pull printing system and relocates it to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal now acts as an intermediary that stores print job data and facilitates communication between the MFP and external networks, eliminating the need for a dedicated server while maintaining printing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile terminal is given multiple functions: it serves as a print job data storage device, a communication bridge for network access, and a control interface for the MFP. This multi-functionality replaces the dedicated server's role while adding mobility and network flexibility to the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple MFPs are connected to the server, then printing options increase, but system management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal acts as an intermediary between multiple MFPs and the external network. It maintains a database of multiple MFPs with their respective information (IP addresses, phone numbers) and manages print job routing between them, simplifying the user experience while supporting multiple devices.
3Reliability
If MFPs are connected through network registration, then pull printing is enabled, but network dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional network-based connection mechanism with a phone number-based discovery and connection system. The MFP and mobile terminal can establish communication through phone numbers without requiring network registration or being on the same network, enabling printing from external locations.
4Ease of operation
If users manually authenticate and select print job data, then printing control is precise, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic authentication mechanisms. The mobile terminal automatically authenticates with the MFP using stored credentials, and the system automatically retrieves and transmits the correct print job data without requiring manual user authentication or selection, reducing both complexity and time loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pull printing method, apparatus and system are provided. The pull printing system includes a mobile terminal (20), a client (10) that discovers the mobile terminal (20) by using a phone number according to a print command of a user and transmits rendered print job data to the mobile terminal (20), and an image forming apparatus (40) that, when connected to the mobile terminal (20), receives the print job data from the mobile terminal (20) and performs printing.