Device Driver Package Management for Image Forming Apparatuses
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of device drivers for image forming apparatuses is complex due to the variety of devices, applications, and operating systems, leading to increased installation and upgrade demands, which existing solutions struggle to efficiently manage and deploy across multiple computers and networks.
Innovation Solution
A management apparatus and method that selects and generates device driver packages, including configuration information and options, for deployment across computers, using remote installation or Active Directory deployment, with features like silent mode installation and device driver configuration management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If device drivers are manually installed and upgraded for each computer, then installation flexibility is maintained, but management complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments device driver management into packaged units that contain drivers for multiple devices and computers. Each package is independently manageable and can be deployed separately, allowing complex driver installations to be broken down into manageable segments that reduce overall management complexity while maintaining deployment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a package manager as an intermediary component that handles the complexity of driver installation and configuration. This package manager mediates between the administrator and the complex driver installation process, providing simplified package-based deployment while maintaining the flexibility needed for different computer configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device driver packages are created with comprehensive configuration options, then adaptability across different systems improves, but package complexity and creation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring device driver packages with comprehensive options before deployment. Configuration files and installation parameters are prepared in advance within the package, allowing the package to be deployed as-is without requiring complex creation processes during actual installation, thus maintaining both adaptability and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating standardized driver packages that can be replicated and deployed across multiple systems. The package structure includes template-based configuration files that can be copied and adapted to different computer configurations, maintaining versatility while simplifying the creation process through reuse of standardized templates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple device drivers and applications are installed to support diverse image forming apparatuses, then system functionality improves, but installation and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple device drivers and related configuration files into unified packages that can be installed simultaneously. By combining drivers for different image forming apparatuses into single deployable units, the system maintains the ability to support diverse functionality while reducing installation time through consolidated deployment rather than individual driver installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling complete driver packages with all necessary configuration files, installation scripts, and dependency information before deployment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site configuration and installation, maintaining comprehensive functionality support while significantly reducing installation time.
Data Source
AI summary
A management apparatus to manage a device driver using a device driver package or a device driver configuration package and a method of managing the device driver of the management apparatus are provided. The management apparatus and the method are to deploy at least one of a device driver package to install a device driver using the device driver or a common device driver corresponding to at least one image forming apparatus and a device driver configuration package to modify a configuration of an installed device driver.