Virtual Printer Server for Mobile Print Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in printing data from a virtual desktop session on a mobile terminal device when outside the company network, as they lack direct access to locally connected printers and must manually convert and transfer files, which is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a virtual printer is created on the server to generate print data in formats like PDF, PCL, or Postscript, and the mobile terminal is notified, allowing the user to select a printer and confirm print settings before forwarding the data to a connected printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user tries to print data from a virtual desktop session on a mobile device outside the company network, then the user can access the document, but the user cannot print it to a locally connected printer due to lack of direct access to printers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a notification server as an intermediary component that enables communication between the virtual desktop session and the mobile device. The notification server receives print job notifications from the application server and forwards them to the mobile device, bridging the gap between the network-locked virtual desktop environment and the external mobile printing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system is segmented into separate functional components: the application server handling document management, the notification server handling communication coordination, and the mobile device handling local printer access. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently in its optimal environment while maintaining overall system functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user copies the document from the company network to the mobile device to enable printing, then the document can be printed, but the process becomes complex and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the mobile device with the notification application and pre-establishing the notification server infrastructure before printing is needed. When a print job is initiated, the notification server automatically triggers the mobile device, eliminating the need for manual document copying and format conversion steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system enables self-service automation where the notification server automatically detects when print data is generated on the server, formats the notification appropriately, and delivers it to the mobile device without user intervention. The mobile device then automatically receives and processes the print job, eliminating manual copying and format conversion operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the printer driver converts the document to the correct format automatically, then the document is in the correct format for printing, but the user cannot intervene or select different printers
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, automated print driver model to a dynamic, user-selectable model. The notification server delivers print job information to the mobile device, which then presents the user with available printer options and allows dynamic selection based on current needs, rather than forcing a single predetermined printing path.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transmitting print data, a server (120), and a mobile device (100). The invention further relates to a corresponding computer-readable storage medium. The method includes steps that receive the print job, convert it into the printer-specific format, store this format on a further server (130), inform the mobile device (100) of the completed conversion, notify the user, and, after the user's confirmation, transfer the print data to the mobile device (100) in order to then, in the final step, forward it to a printer (200) connected to the mobile device (100).