Mobile Device Printing via SMS Message Handler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing systems from mobile devices to network printers are hindered by the need for smartphones with IR or Bluetooth connectivity, and require complex software installations, as well as cumbersome IP address entry on phone keypads, which are not universally applicable.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables printing by assigning a phone number to both mobile devices and network printers, allowing SMS or other message formats to transmit print requests through a communication network, where a server retrieves and forwards the document for printing, eliminating the need for direct connectivity and special software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a network printer uses an IP address for network identification, then the printer can be located on the network, but mobile devices cannot easily enter the address due to lack of period and colon keys on phone keypads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a message handler as an intermediary component that receives print requests via SMS messages containing phone numbers. This mediator translates the simple phone number input from mobile devices into the proper network address format, eliminating the need for users to directly enter complex IP addresses with periods and colons.
2Adaptability or versatility
If printing requires smartphone-specific software and connectivity (IR/Bluetooth), then printing functionality can be achieved, but accessibility is limited to specific device types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the printing functionality from the mobile device itself and relocates it to the printer's message handler. By moving the print processing capability to the printer side, the system eliminates the need for special printing software on mobile devices, allowing any SMS-capable device to initiate printing without additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses SMS messaging as a universal communication protocol that works across all mobile devices regardless of type. The message handler on the printer side handles multiple functions including receiving print requests, retrieving documents, and coordinating printing, making the system adaptable to various mobile device types without requiring device-specific implementations.
3Reliability
If direct connectivity (wired or wireless) is required between mobile device and printer, then printing can be established, but the system becomes complex and device-specific
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server and message handler as intermediaries that mediate between the mobile device and printer. Instead of requiring direct connectivity, the system uses SMS messages sent through the cellular network as the communication medium, with the message handler acting as a mediator that receives requests, retrieves documents from the server, and initiates printing, thereby eliminating direct connection requirements while maintaining reliable printing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device-based printing system and method is described. The printer system for network printing includes a communication network adapted to transfer messages between a mobile device and a printer. The printer is connectable to the communication network to receive a print message, including a reference to a document to be printed, via the communication network. The printer has a phone number for receiving print messages via said communication network. The mobile device is connectable to the communication network to transmit the print message on the communication network. A method for printing from a mobile device to a printer using a communication network includes transmitting a print message to a phone number of the printer from the mobile device where the print message includes a reference to a document to be printed.