Virtual Printer Interface Node Cloud Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing architectures and protocols are complex and proprietary, making it difficult to implement cloud-based printing services for non-cloud-ready printers, which require a personal computer to be running and connected to a network to function with cloud services.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an inline virtual printer interface node or network virtual printer interface node that converts native printer protocols to unified protocols for cloud services and vice versa, allowing direct communication between non-cloud-ready printers and cloud-based services without the need for a personal computer, using a microcontroller and memory to handle protocol conversions and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional printing architectures and protocols are used, then existing printers can maintain their native functionality, but cloud-based printing service integration becomes complex and proprietary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud print service gateway as an intermediary component that sits between the cloud print service and existing printers. The gateway translates cloud-based printing protocols into native printer protocols, enabling cloud integration without modifying the printers themselves. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by adding cloud adaptability while preserving the simplicity of existing printer architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the cloud print service, the gateway, and the existing printers. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its own architecture and protocols independently, with the gateway handling the protocol translation. This resolves the contradiction by allowing cloud integration without imposing complexity on the printer side.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cloud-ready printers with built-in cloud support are deployed, then cloud service integration is simplified, but backward compatibility with existing conventional printers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as an intermediary that enables conventional printers to access cloud services without requiring them to be cloud-ready. This approach maintains backward compatibility with existing printers while still achieving cloud service integration, eliminating the need to replace printers with cloud-ready models.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway provides universal support for multiple printer types and protocols, enabling a single device to work with various conventional printers. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to maintain compatibility with existing diverse printer installations while providing unified cloud access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software connector on personal computer is used to enable conventional printer cloud access, then cloud integration is achieved, but requirement for PC to remain powered ON and connected increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway is deployed as a standalone device or server that independently manages cloud print service connections. It replaces the need for software connectors on personal computers, allowing printers to access cloud services directly without requiring a PC to be powered ON or connected. This resolves the operational availability issue while maintaining cloud integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway enables printers to self-service cloud connectivity without requiring external PC control. The gateway autonomously manages the connection between conventional printers and cloud services, eliminating the dependency on personal computers and improving operational availability.
4Ease of operation
If protocol conversion gateway is deployed, then seamless printer-cloud integration is achieved, but additional device infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway is positioned as a central intermediary that consolidates protocol conversion functionality in a single location. This approach enables plug-and-play operation for printers while centralizing the infrastructure requirement, making the added complexity manageable and localized rather than distributed across multiple devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual printer interface node enables a non-cloud-ready printer to communicate with a cloud-based service, residing on an internet. The virtual printer interface node includes a housing; a communication interface to provide communication directly to the network router; and a microcontroller operatively connected to the communication interface. The microcontroller converts commands, received through the communication interface, from the cloud-based service, residing on the internet, to native protocols of the non-cloud-ready networked printer and communicates the converted native protocols to the non-cloud-ready networked printer.