Adaptive Remote Service Protocol for Printing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote maintenance protocols for devices, such as printing machines, become outdated quickly due to the long life cycle of these machines, making it difficult to implement new service and maintenance functionalities and communication types without extensive software updates, which are time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows for the adaptive modification of data exchange protocols between the device computer and the remote maintenance computer, enabling the easy retrofitting of new service and maintenance functionalities by using a protocol adaptation level on the remote maintenance computer, which selects and installs suitable protocols as needed, and supports both lightweight and large-data protocols for efficient data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static protocol is used for remote maintenance, then the system is simple and stable, but it becomes outdated quickly and cannot support new service functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic protocol selection mechanism where the remote maintenance computer can dynamically choose between a first protocol (for small data units) and a second protocol (for large data amounts) based on the specific maintenance task requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to remain versatile without permanently increasing complexity, as the protocol selection is context-dependent rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protocol adaptation layer or intermediary component that handles protocol selection and translation between different protocol types. This intermediary absorbs the complexity of managing multiple protocols, allowing the core remote maintenance system to remain simple while gaining the ability to adapt to different communication requirements through the intermediary's protocol management capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire software is updated to implement new communication types, then new functionalities are supported, but the update process is time-consuming and requires extensive testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol functionality from the core software, allowing individual protocol components to be updated or selected independently rather than requiring full software updates. This segmentation enables new communication capabilities to be implemented by loading specific protocol modules without triggering comprehensive software update procedures, thereby reducing update time and testing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a mechanism where multiple protocols are pre-configured and available for selection based on maintenance task requirements. Rather than updating software when new communication needs arise, the system has protocols prepared in advance that can be selectively activated, eliminating the need for time-consuming update and testing cycles for each new communication requirement.
3Productivity
If a protocol for large data amounts is used, then efficient data transfer is achieved, but the standard protocol is designed only for small data units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol selection where the system automatically chooses between a first protocol optimized for small data units and a second protocol optimized for large data amounts based on the specific data transfer requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve high productivity when large data transfers are needed while maintaining compatibility with standard protocols for routine small data communications.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves using a protocol for exchanging the data between a computer (1) and a remote control computer (3), where a protocol adaptation level is provided, which checks the protocol for the exchange of data between the computer and the remote control computer before a process for data transmission. The protocol adaptation level is adjusted for compatibility with the process for data transmission, if required. The protocol includes functions of a Virtual private network (VPN) transmission module.