JP4107964B2 - Remote printing - Google Patents

Description

(Refer to related applications)
Priority is claimed for co-pending US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/248467, filed Nov. 13, 2000, and US Patent Application No. 09/747457, filed Dec. 22, 2000.

  The present invention relates to the remote creation of hard copies from electronic documents. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for remotely printing a document approximately as conveniently as local printing.

  As computers are increasingly used for personal and business purposes in a wide variety of locations, you want to make a hard copy of the document away from your own workstation or leave the document (or a copy of the document) I often want to send it to a new location. For example, a character may be created using a word processing program on a nearby computer just for mailing to another office in the country. In other situations, business travelers carry laptop computers so they can create and modify documents while away from their offices. These business travelers who want to make hard copies of documents on a business trip must carry a printer in addition to the laptop computer. As a result, the equipment that must be carried becomes heavy and bulky. These and other problems can be solved by a system that allows a user to print hard copies from a remote location, i.e., with a printer that is not directly connected to the user's computer.

  The prior art includes several examples of remote printing systems that include one or more defects in dealing with various situations where a user desires to print a hard copy of a document that is not directly connected to his computer. It is included. An example includes one or more direct connections, such as a dedicated telephone line that connects a workstation to a remote printer. This method has the disadvantage of requiring a constant (often expensive) communication link between devices. In situations where the user moves many places, such a solution can be prohibitively expensive. Such a solution is prohibitively expensive even with a large number of hardcopy destinations.

  In an alternative system, a dial-up telephone line is used to communicate between the computer and the printer. While this solution addresses many of the above problems, it cannot meet the requirements of many users. For example, the required modems and networking equipment are often complex and difficult to manage. Similar networking deployments that use wide area networks (WANs) to connect to local area networks (LANs) at various locations also suffer from administrative complexity and prohibitive costs.

  Other remote printing schemes use Internet email technology. In one such arrangement, the sending computer converts the print job into an e-mail print job using special software. On the receiving side, the receiving computer and / or printer must be equipped with compatible software to receive and print the email print job. In other such systems, an email server converts an email print job into a facsimile transmission over a telephone line using a facsimile transmission protocol. Compatibility and complexity issues associated with these systems make them difficult to manage and use.

  A simpler existing technique by which a hard copy of a document can be created at a remote location is to attach the document to an email message. This method requires human intervention, such as opening a document and issuing a print command. In many forms of this system, the recipient can also modify the document, and this capability may not be desirable for the sender.

Therefore, other contributions and improvements are sought for remote printing technology.
(Overview)
One object of the present invention is to provide an improved system and method for remote printing. Another object is an improved system and method for allowing authorized users to create hard copies of documents from a given computer on a printer that is not directly connected to that computer or its LAN. Is to provide.

These objects and others are achieved by various forms of the present invention.
(Description of Illustrated Embodiment)
For a better understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. However, this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and any changes and other modifications of the described or illustrated embodiment, as well as illustrated, will occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. It will be understood that any other application of the principles of the present invention is contemplated.

  In general, the remote printing system shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 provides a function for a user of a local computer system 20 having a local printer 22 to cause a remote printer 26 connected to the remote computer system 24 to print. is there. Network 30 carries data between computer systems. In some embodiments discussed herein, the relay server 28 stores and forwards data as it passes between various other components of the overall system 32.

  Two different embodiments of the remote printing system according to the present invention are discussed herein. The hardware components and communication relationships of the first “server intervening” embodiment will now be discussed with reference to FIG.

  In each case where "communication" between the components is described and not characterized as via a "direct connection", it facilitates that communication, such as a bridge, router, or even other computer It should be understood that one or more components may be added in addition to the components shown or described to do so.

  Further, “direct connection” between a printer and a processing device or a computer used in this specification refers to an arrangement configuration in which communication can be performed between components, such as router or network exchange. Does not pass through the network hardware. A “LAN” connection between a printer and a processing unit or computer is an arrangement in which communication between the components can be performed, and the communication involves network components that are owned or controlled by a single entity. pass.

  The local computer system 20 includes a processing unit 41, a memory 43, a monitor 45, a network interface 47, zero or more optional input devices 48, and zero or more optional additional output devices 49. The relay server 28 includes a processing device 51, a memory 53, and a network interface 57. Similar to the local computer system 20, the remote computer system 24 includes a processing unit 61, a memory 63, a monitor 65, a network interface 67, zero or more optional input devices 68, and zero or more output devices 69. . The processing unit 41 is connected to a local printer via a parallel or USB port or serial port, such as RS232, RS422, Firewire (IEEE standard 1394), or similar connection protocol, as known to those skilled in the art. 22 is directly connected. The processing device 41 can communicate with the printer 22 via the LAN instead. Similarly, the processing device 61 communicates with the remote printer 26 via a direct connection or a LAN connection, as is known in the art.

  It should be understood that the local computer 20 can include multiple processing units or CPUs and multiple types of memory, and the memory 43 is representative of one or more types. Further, although one local computer 20 is shown, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, multiple computers can be connected thereto. The processing device 41 can be composed of one or more components configured as a single unit. Alternatively, in the case of a multiple component format, the processing device 41 may have one or more components that are spaced apart from one another. One or more components of the processing device 41 may include digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or both, and may be electronically diverse. In one embodiment, the processing unit 41 is a conventional integrated circuit microprocessor arrangement, such as one or more PENTIUM® III or PENTIUM® 4 processing units supplied by INTEL Corporation.

  The memory 43 can include one or more types of solid state electronic memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory, to name just a few. As a non-limiting example, the memory 43 may be a solid state electronic random access memory (RAM), sequentially accessible memory (SAM) (such as first in first out (FIFO) variety, or last in first out (LIFO) variety), programmable read. Dedicated memory (PROM), electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), or electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), optical disk memory (such as DVD or CD ROM), magnetically encoded hard disk, floppy disk , Tape, or cartridge media, or any combination of these memory types. The memory 43 can be volatile, non-volatile, or a hybrid combination of volatile and non-volatile variety.

  The network 30 can take the form of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, or other network types that would occur to those skilled in the art. The local computer 20 includes a monitor 45. Although not shown for clarity of illustration, the local computer 20 may include one or more of a keyboard, mouse, trackball, light pen, and / or microphone, to name just a few examples. Multiple operator input devices 48 may also be included. In addition to the monitor 45, zero or more other output devices 49 such as speakers may also be included.

  In the relay server 28, the processing device 51, memory 53, and network interface 57 can take any of the forms described above for the processing device 41, memory 43, and network interface 47, respectively. Each corresponding item may be the same as or different from the corresponding component of the local computer 20. Similarly, components of print host 24 (processing device 61, memory 63, monitor 65, network interface 67, zero or more other input devices 68, and zero or more other output devices 69) are also local. Each may take one or more of the forms described above in connection with corresponding components 41, 43, 45, 47, 48, and 49, respectively, described above for computer 20. In addition, a general communication pattern between the hardware components in the illustrated embodiment is shown in FIG. 2, where any of the illustrated communication paths are network 30 (see FIG. 1), port, It may pass through additional components not shown in FIG. 2, such as connectors, switches, and the like that would occur to those skilled in the art.

  Referring now to FIG. 3, an overview of the main software components in one illustrated embodiment is shown. Application 42 generates or collects printable data such as, but not limited to, word processing documents, graphic displays, images, World Wide Web content, spreadsheets, and email messages. If the user of the local computer 20 wants to print such data on the remote printer 26, the user selects a “print” command on the user interface of the application 42. Application 42 continues with the “printer discovery” process whereby application 42 obtains information about local and remote printers available to local computer 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the application 42 sends the document to the file manager 44 with information about the specific destination printer and print options. File manager 44 connects to relay server 28 and sends printable data to one of relay processes 55. Relay process 55 stores this data in queue 56 for later use.

  The file manager 64 of the remote computer 24 periodically polls for waiting for such jobs on the relay server 28 by sending a command to connect to one of the relay processes 55 to check for waiting for print jobs. To do. If any data for the remote printer 26 is in the queue, the file manager 64 retrieves the data and stores it in the print queue 66. If remote printer 26 is available, file manager 64 opens an instance of application 62 using the request to print the data stored in queue 66. Application 62 automatically opens, loads the data, and prints it on remote printer 26.

  The print job result code is returned from the printer 26 to the application 62, which then provides the result information (success or failure of the print job) to the file manager 64. Application 62 then closes itself to save memory and processing resources. File manager 64 sends the result code to relay process 55. File manager 44 periodically polls relay process 55 to determine if the result code is available and downloads the code if it is available. The file manager 44 records the results in one or more log files, directly through the application 42, via a user interface (not shown) provided by the operating system of the local computer 20, or The user can be notified of the result of the print job without doing anything.

  If the various components are sufficiently responsive and the connection is sufficiently stable, some or all of the communications described above are the polls described for queue 56 and queue 66 and relay process 55. You can not use the mechanism. Instead, between the components (application 42, file manager 44, relay process 55, file manager 64, application 62, and remote printer 26) while the system communicates to execute a print job and return a result code. Connection is maintained.

  In the alternative embodiment discussed next with reference to FIG. 4, file managers 44 and 64 communicate directly without using relay server 28. In this embodiment, when the file manager 44 receives a request to print a print job, it links directly to the file manager 64 to transmit print job information and wait for a result code. Alternatively, as discussed with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the link between the file manager 44 and the file manager 64 stops while the print job is waiting and the print job files the result code report. After returning to manager 44 and application 42, it can be re-established.

  Another form of the invention will now be discussed with respect to FIG. In this embodiment, the local computer 20 further includes a connection detector 40 that can determine whether the local printer 22 is actually communicating with the local computer 20. Similarly, a connection detector 60 is also arranged and configured to detect whether the remote printer 26 is operatively connected to the file manager 64. Various methods are known in the art to provide such connection detection, including methods using hardware, software, or combinations thereof.

  File manager 44 maintains a prioritized list of printers used to process print jobs. This list may contain one or more specific printers (by “printer identifier”, eg name, serial number, other unique identifier, or port) and / or “group identifier”, eg printer local to the remote An ordered list of a class of printers that are more color than black and white, or based on routing information (based on the network through which the local computer 20 sends a print job to a particular printer). When the application 42 sends a print job to the file manager 44, the file manager 44 repeats this list until a printer that can print the print job is found. This iteration uses the connection detector 40 to determine the availability of one or more local printers 22 and determines the availability of one or more remote printers 26 (via the file manager 64). By using the connection detector 60. Alternatively or additionally, the file manager 44 may be connected to and / or connectable to the local computer 20 by, for example, accepting login / logout signals and / or polling each printer periodically. The list can be maintained, and when a subsequent print job arrives, the local list can be used instead of trying to remotely detect the connectivity of the various remote printers 26.

  In another form of the invention, the system 32 includes a local computer having a first processing unit and a first memory encoded with a first set of programming instructions, the programming instructions being a first A processing device executes (1) executes a first instance of an application having at least one native data format, and (2) prints first data associated with the application. Can accept request. The system further includes a remote printer and a local computer and a remote computer in communication with the remote printer, which (1) executes a second instance of the application, (2) receives a request, and (3) Responsive to the received content, executable by a second processing device and a second processing device for automatically printing first data at a remote printer using a second instance of the application And a second memory encoded with a second set of programming instructions. In this format, the first data is sent from the local computer to the remote computer in at least one of the native data formats of the application.

  In this type of variation, the relay computer is configured and adapted to receive the first data from the local computer and send the first data to the remote printer. In some embodiments of this variation, the remote computer periodically polls the relay computer to determine whether one or more print jobs for the remote printer are waiting to be sent. When waiting, the remote computer retrieves this print job and prints it on the remote printer.

  Another form of the invention is a system that includes at least one remote printer and a local computer that is connectable to one or more local printers and communicates with the remote printer over a network. The local computer includes means for detecting whether one or more local printers are connected, a processing unit, and a memory encoded with programming instructions, wherein the processing instructions are executed by the processing unit. (1) maintain an ordered list (by identity, category, or function) of at least two printers, including at least one local printer and at least one remote printer, and (2) accept requests to print documents , (3) to automatically traverse the ordered list to find the first printer that is the destination printer on the ordered list accessible to the local computer, and (4) print the document at the destination printer. .

In this type of variation, the first of the local printers is directly connected to the local computer via the LAN.
In other variations, the system also includes a remote computer that communicates with the local computer, which can access the remote printer via the remote computer. In some embodiments of this variation, the remote printer is connected directly to the remote computer.

  Other forms of the invention include (1) receiving a print job from a source computer, (2) accepting a polling signal from a destination computer, (3) sending a print job for printing to a destination printer, Responding to a polling signal, (4) receiving a print job result signal from a destination computer, and (5) sending the print job result signal to a source computer. In a variation of this format, the print job includes document data and print parameters. In another variation, the print job includes document data in a format that cannot be printed directly by the remote printer. In one embodiment of this variation, the format is a word processing application data format, and in another embodiment, the format is a spreadsheet application data format.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, users of local computer 20 and print host 24 are authenticated by a login procedure at relay server 28. The user of the print host 24 logs in to make his directly connected and / or LAN connected printer 26 available to the user of the computer 20 or to cancel or remove its availability. . This authentication can use a username / password combination, a digital certificate, biometric authentication, or other authentication techniques that would occur to those skilled in the art. Access rights can be maintained by access control lists, group certificate management (eg, PKI architecture), or other methods that would occur to those skilled in the art. In various embodiments, allowing access to the remote printer 26 allows the user of the print host 24 to be a particular individual user of the system, as well as a user associated with a particular company, user group, or class. Access can be granted to a group of users of the system.

  In some embodiments, all systems handle a single file format in exchange for printable data, while other systems allow multiple formats. In the latter type of embodiment, the print host 24 may use envelope information (such as a MIME type header, field, or extension), “magic number”, the format and / or content of the data itself, or a person skilled in the art. Can be used to distinguish different document types using other techniques. When multiple formats of data pass through the system, various embodiments of the present invention use various methods to convert these formats into data that can be directly interpreted by a printer. In some embodiments, the source (local) computer does not interact directly with the remote printer, thus eliminating the need to install a driver for each such remote printer that is accessed.

  Further, in some embodiments, the local computer can use the remote printer regardless of the operating system even if there is no printer driver for the remote printer on the operating system of the local computer. Furthermore, various embodiments of the present invention combine the various functions described herein with one or more objects, modules, applications, devices, and the like that would occur to those skilled in the art. And / or divide.

  In some embodiments, the destination printer is selected by the user of the local computer 20 at the start of the print job. In these situations, destination printer information is sent through the system as part of the print job. In other embodiments, a group of printers identified by a unique identifier, a class of printers identified by function, or a list of printer classes is selected at the start of a print job, the ambiguity of which is the current printer Resolved by relay server 28 using availability information (or subsequent availability information if there is no printer currently available in the selected group or class).

  Data compression and encryption can be incorporated into the aforementioned system without undue experimentation by those skilled in the art. As a non-limiting example, data transferred between computers can be encrypted by using the digital certificate and the authentication function together. Encryption is preferably used for at least those transfers that are passed over public data networks such as the Internet. As another independent example, one or more documents to be printed are well known. The ZIP file format can be used to compress and combine into a single file along with another “print options” file.

  All publications, conventional applications, and other documents cited herein are each individually incorporated by reference, and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth.

  Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is considered as illustrative and not restrictive by text and only the preferred embodiments are shown and described. It should be understood that all changes and modifications that a technician may conceive should be protected.

It is the schematic which shows the system for remote printing. It is a block diagram which shows the communication relationship in the remote printing system of FIG. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating software components in the remote printing system of FIG. 1 and a data flow therebetween. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating software components and data flow therebetween in an alternative embodiment of the remote printing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating software components and data flow therebetween in an alternative embodiment of the remote printing system of FIG. 1.

Claims (6)

A local computer in which at least one document is stored, the document being associated with at least one native data format, the native data format being in a format other than a page descriptor format, and accepting a print request associated with the document The local computer;
A remote printer,
A remote computer associated with the remote printer for receiving the print request and causing the remote printer to automatically print the at least one document in response to the received print request;
With
A system for remote printing, wherein the at least one native data format of the document is maintained in the document printed by the remote computer at the remote printer. The system for remote printing according to claim 1, further comprising a relay computer configured and adapted to receive the print request from the local computer and send the print request to the remote computer. The remote computer is
Periodically polling the relay computer to determine if one or more print requests for the remote printer are waiting to be transmitted;
3. For remote printing according to claim 2, wherein if the one or more print requests are waiting to be sent, the print request is retrieved and the remote printer prints the document associated with the print request. system. Receiving a document from a source computer, the document being associated with at least one native data format, wherein the native data format is a format other than a page descriptor format;
Accepting polling signals from a plurality of destination computers, each destination computer being associated with at least one printer in the ordered list of printers;
Responding to the polling signal by sending the print request to the destination computer associated with a first printer from the ordered list of printers useful for printing the document, the printing comprising: The request includes the document in at least one native data format and at least one native data format not directly printable by the printer;
Receiving a print result signal from the destination computer;
Transmitting the print result signal to a source computer;
To print a document that contains text. The method of printing a document according to claim 4, wherein the at least one native data format is a word processing application data format. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one native data format is a spreadsheet application data format.

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