SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRINTING DOCUMENTS USING A MOBILE DEVICE

• US 20130094047A1
• Filed: 10/12/2012
• Published: 04/18/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Global Graphics Software, Inc. (Global Graphics Plc)
• Original Assignee: Global Graphics Software, Inc. (Global Graphics Plc)
• Inventors: Bailey, Martin Paul, Finta, Michael
• Application Number:
  US13/650,512
• Publication Number:
  US 20130094047A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 358/1.14
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/608 Secure printing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1222 Increasing security of the print job
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1236 Connection management
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1285 Remote printer device, e.g. being remote from client or server
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1292 Mobile client, e.g. wireless printing
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 15/181 Receiving print data characterized by its formatting, e.g. particular page description languages
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 15/4045 Managing the interface to the data source, e.g. choosing an interface for data reception
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 15/4095 Secure printing computer driven secure printing G06F3/1238
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0492 by using a location-limited connection, e.g. near-field communication or limited proximity of entities
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/18 using different networks or channels, e.g. using out of band channels cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for key distribution involving distinctive intermediate devices or communication paths H04L9/0827; cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for authentication using a plurality of channels H04L9/3215
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/50 Secure pairing of devices

Abstract

A method of printing a document using a mobile device includes establishing a first connection between a mobile device and a printer using NFC to identify the mobile device to the printer; establishing a second connection between the mobile device and the printer using WiFi; transferring a document from the mobile device to the printer over the second connection using the WiFi; and printing the document using the printer.

Claims

1. A method of printing a document using a mobile device, the method comprising:

establishing a first connection between a mobile device and a printer using NFC to identify the mobile device to the printer;

establishing a second connection between the mobile device and the printer using WiFi;

transferring a document from the mobile device to the printer over the second connection using WiFi; and

printing the document using the printer.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first connection is established before the second connection.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second connection is established before the first connection.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first connection is established after the document is transferred from the mobile device to the printer.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising identifying the mobile device over the first connection, wherein transferring a document comprises releasing the document for transfer from the mobile device to the printer after identifying the mobile device to the printer.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting a unique ID over the first connection, wherein establishing the second connection comprises presenting the unique ID over the second connection.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting a password over the first connection, wherein establishing the second connection comprises presenting the password in order to establish the second connection.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting an encryption key over the first connection, wherein transferring the document comprises encrypting the document using the encryption key, transferring the encrypted document from the mobile device to the printer over the second connection, and decrypting the encrypted document after transfer.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting data regarding capabilities of the printer to the mobile device over the first connection.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising indicating to the mobile device that the printer is available for printing prior to establishing the first connection.

11. A computer readable storage medium having processor-executable instructions, the processor-executable instructions when installed onto a system enable the system to perform actions, comprising:

establishing a first connection between a mobile device and a printer using NFC to identify the mobile device to the printer;

establishing a second connection between the mobile device and the printer using WiFi; and

transferring a document from the mobile device to the printer over the second connection using WiFi.

12. A system for printing a document, the system comprising:

a mobile device; and

a printer;

wherein the system comprises at least one processor and the at least one processor is configured and arranged to

establish a first connection between the mobile device and the printer using NFC to identify the mobile device to the printer;

establish a second connection between the mobile device and the printer using WiFi; and

transfer a document from the mobile device to the printer over the second connection using WiFi.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising an intermediary device coupled to the printer and configured and arranged for establishment of the first and second connections between the mobile device and the printer via the intermediary device.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the intermediary device is a computer or server.

15. The system of claim 12, further comprising a network, wherein the mobile device and the printer are coupled to the network and the first and second connections are formed through the network.

16. A mobile device, comprising:

a memory unit; and

at least one processor coupled to the memory unit and configured and arranged to establish a first connection between the mobile device and a printer using NFC to identify the mobile device to the printer;

establish a second connection between the mobile device and the printer using WiFi; and

transfer a document from the mobile device to the printer over the second connection using WiFi.

17. The mobile device of claim 16, wherein the mobile device is a cell phone, smart phone, personal data assistant, camera, or video camera.

18. A printer, comprising:

a print engine; and

at least one processor coupled to the print engine and configured and arranged to establish a first connection between a mobile device and the printer using NFC to identify the mobile device to the printer;

establish a second connection between the mobile device and the printer using WiFi;

receive a document from the mobile device over the second connection using WiFi; and

print the document using the print engine.

19. The printer of claim 18, wherein the printer is an inkjet printer or a laser printer.

20. The printer of claim 18, wherein the processor is configured and arranged to transmit an encryption key, unique ID, or password to the mobile device over the first connection.