System for authenticating communications between a non-cloud ready networked printer and a cloud-based service through a virtual printer interface device

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A network virtual printer interface device for providing communication between a cloud-based service, residing on an internet, and a non-cloud-ready networked printer through to a network router, the non-cloud-ready networked printer having a printer housing and a local area network communication interface, the network router having a router housing, the network router having an internet communication interface, the network router having a local area network communication interface, the network virtual printer interface device consisting essentially of:
a housing, said housing being distinct from said printer housing and said router housing; a communication interface to provide communication to the network router through the local area network communication interface of the network router and to provide communication to the local area network communication interface of the non-cloud-ready networked printer through the local area network communication interface of the network router; and a microcontroller located in said housing and operatively connected to said communication interface; said microcontroller converting commands, received through said communication interface, from the cloud-based service, residing on the internet, to native protocols of the non-cloud-ready networked printer; said microcontroller communicating, through said communication interface, the converted native protocols to the non-cloud-ready networked printer; said microcontroller polling the non-cloud-ready networked printer to retrieve identification information associated with the non-cloud-ready networked printer; said microcontroller creating an authentication code based on the identification information retrieved from the non-cloud-ready networked printer and identification information associated with the network virtual printer interface device; said microcontroller registering the created authentication code with the cloud-based service.