Virtual Printer Cloud Print Job Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud print services without a device driver face challenges in managing print jobs, as users have limited control over the printing process, especially when a content file is transmitted to a server, leading to difficulties in controlling subsequent processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a virtual printer registered with a cloud server, allowing users to designate the virtual printer as an output device, monitor and acquire print data, and request printing while applying preset options, enabling direct communication with local printers for managing print jobs and handling errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cloud print service is used without a device driver, then resource efficiency is improved and spatial limitations are reduced, but control over the print job is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual printer as an intermediary component between the user device and the cloud server. This virtual printer maintains a driverless architecture for resource efficiency while providing a control interface that allows users to monitor and manage print jobs. The virtual printer receives print jobs from the cloud server and enables users to view job status, cancel jobs, and control the printing process without requiring traditional device drivers.
2Device complexity
If the cloud server performs all subsequent processes after receiving the content file, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control the print job is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing system into distinct functional components: the cloud server handles file reception and processing, the virtual printer manages job control and monitoring, and the physical printer executes printing. This segmentation allows the device to maintain low complexity by offloading heavy processing to the cloud while preserving user control through the virtual printer interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual printer serves as a mediator between the cloud server's automated processes and user control requirements. It receives notifications from the cloud server about print job status and provides users with control capabilities such as viewing job details, canceling jobs, and managing print queues, thereby bridging the gap between server-side automation and user-side control.
3Ease of operation
If a virtual printer is introduced to enable control, then control over print jobs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual printer is implemented as a software-based copy of a physical printer, emulating printer functionality without requiring hardware components or traditional device drivers. This copying approach provides full control capabilities while maintaining low device complexity, as the virtual printer exists purely as software that communicates with the cloud server and manages print jobs through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using a cloud print service includes registering a virtual printer with a server, designating the virtual printer as an output device and transmitting a content file to the server, monitoring the virtual printer and acquiring print data generated by converting the content file from the server, and requesting printing while transmitting the print data to a local printer.