Method, apparatus, and system for printing file based on print request generated on virtual machine having virtual printer installed in it and send the print request to terminal device

A method implemented by a terminal device, wherein the method comprises:

• receiving, from a virtual machine distinct from the terminal device, a print request comprising a to-be-printed file and virtual printer information, wherein the virtual printer information identifies a virtual printer that is installed on the virtual machine and that corresponds to a printer communicatively coupled to the terminal device;
• selecting, based on the virtual printer information, the printer;
• printing the to-be-printed file using the printer;
• detecting that the printer is offline;
• and
• sending, to the virtual machine and in response to detecting that the printer is offline, a notification message indicating that the printer is offline.

A virtual machine comprising:

• at least one virtual printer installed on the virtual machine;
• a request generator configured to:
• detect an operation of a user who has accessed the virtual machine using a terminal device distinct from the virtual machine;
• generate, in response to the operation, a print request comprising a to-be-printed file and virtual printer information, wherein the virtual printer information identifies a first virtual printer that corresponds to a printer coupled to the terminal device, wherein the print request instructs the terminal device to print the to-be-printed file using the printer, and wherein the first virtual printer is one of the at least one virtual printer installed on the virtual machine;
• a transmitter configured to send the print request to the terminal device;
• a receiver configured to receive, from the terminal device, a notification message indicating that the printer is offline;
• and
• an installer configured to uninstall, responsive to receiving the notification message, the at least one virtual printer.

A terminal device comprising:

• a memory configured to store instructions;
• and
• a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions to cause the terminal device to be configured to:
• receive, from a virtual machine distinct from the terminal device, a print request comprising a to-be-printed file and virtual printer information, wherein the virtual printer information identifies a virtual printer that is installed on the virtual machine and that corresponds to a printer coupled to the terminal device;
• select, based on the virtual printer information, the printer;
• print the to-be-printed file using the printer;
• detect that the printer is offline;
• and
• send, to the virtual machine and in response to detecting that the printer is offline,
• a notification message indicating that the printer is offline.

A file printing system comprising:

• a terminal device;
• and
• a virtual machine distinct from and communicatively coupled to the terminal device and comprising at least one virtual printer, wherein the virtual machine is configured to:
• detect an operation of a user who has accessed the virtual machine using the terminal device;
• generate, in response to the operation, a print request comprising a to-be-printed file and virtual printer information, wherein the virtual printer information identifies a printer communicatively coupled to the terminal device, wherein the print request instructs the terminal device to print the to-be-printed file using the printer, and wherein the firsta first virtual printer is one of the at least one virtual printer installed on the virtual machine;
• and
• send the print request to the terminal device,
• wherein the terminal device is configured to:
• receive the print request from the virtual machine;
• select, based on the virtual printer information, the printer;
• print the to-be-printed file using the printer;
• detect that the printer is offline;
• and
• send, to the virtual machine and in response to detecting that the printer is offline,
• a notification message indicating that the printer is offline.