VIRTUAL PRINTER INTERFACE NODE

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 node for providing communication between a cloud-based service, residing on an internet, and a non-cloud-ready networked printer, residing on a local area network, through to a network router, the network virtual printer interface node residing as a distinct device on the local area network, the network router controlling communications between the local area network and the internet, the network router having a local area network communication interface and an internet communication interface, comprising:
a housing; a communication interface to provide communication directly to the local area network communication interface of the network router; and a microcontroller, located within said housing, operatively connected to said communication interface; said communication interface providing communication between said microcontroller and the local area network communication interface of the network router, the network router providing a communication path between said microcontroller and the non-cloud-ready networked printer; said microcontroller converting local area network based protocols received, through said communication interface, from the non-cloud-ready networked printer to firewall friendly wide area network based protocols, the firewall friendly wide area network based protocols enabling the non-cloud-ready networked printer to be able to connect to the cloud-based service; said microcontroller transmitting, through said communication interface via the network router, the firewall friendly wide area network based protocols to the cloud-based service.