Virtual Printer Interface Node for Cloud Printing
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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, especially for non-cloud-ready printers that require a personal computer to be running and connected to function with cloud services.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an inline virtual printer interface node and a network virtual printer interface node that convert native printer protocols to unified protocols, enabling direct communication between non-cloud-ready printers and cloud-based services without the need for a personal computer, using microcontrollers 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 implementation becomes complex and proprietary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-ready gateway device as an intermediary between cloud-based printing services and conventional printers. The gateway translates cloud printing protocols into native printer protocols, enabling conventional printers to access cloud services without modifying their internal architecture. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by adding translation capability at the network layer rather than complicating the printer's core printing architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software connector on personal computer is used to enable cloud readiness, then non-cloud-ready printers can connect to cloud services, but the personal computer must remain powered ON and connected to the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gateway device self-sufficient by equipping it with autonomous cloud connection capabilities, including built-in network interfaces and protocol translation software. The gateway independently maintains connections to both cloud services and printers without requiring a personal computer to be powered on. This transforms the system from PC-dependent to self-service, where the gateway handles all cloud communication autonomously.
3Extent of automation
If cloud-ready gateway device is introduced to enable standalone cloud connectivity, then non-cloud-ready printers become cloud-ready without personal computer, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cloud connectivity function from the printer itself, placing it in a separate gateway device. This segmentation allows the gateway to specialize in cloud protocol translation and connection management, while the printer remains simple and focused on its core printing function. The complexity is isolated to the gateway, which can be upgraded or replaced independently without affecting the printer hardware.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional network printer is used, then printer can be directly connected to network, but requires personal computer to be running and connected to function with cloud services
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as a reliable intermediary that maintains persistent connections to cloud services independently of the printer's power state. When the printer is off or disconnected, the gateway continues to receive print jobs from the cloud and queue them. Upon printer reconnection, the gateway automatically transfers the queued jobs, ensuring reliable cloud service integration without requiring the printer to be continuously powered on.
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.