Dynamic Destination Service for Print Job Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current all-in-one print/scan/copy/fax devices require distinct software services for each combination of job source and document destination, leading to increased resource management needs as the variety and number of destination types increase, limiting the ability to expand without firmware upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically extensible destination service, known as the 'destinations web service,' allows all job types to be sent to all destination types through a uniform interface, using a destination editor to create and manage destinations, and a notification manager to match selected destinations with registered delivery agents for protocol-specific transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distinct software services are implemented for each combination of job source and document destination, then transmission functionality is enabled, but resource management complexity increases and device flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal service framework where a single service architecture handles multiple job sources and document destinations through standardized interfaces. Instead of creating distinct services for each source-destination pair, the system uses a common service model that can accommodate any combination, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The service framework is designed to be dynamically extensible, allowing new document destinations to be added without requiring firmware upgrades or restructuring the core service architecture. The system can dynamically register and manage new destinations through standardized protocols, enabling continuous adaptation to new requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If distinct software services are implemented for each combination of job source and document destination, then transmission functionality is enabled, but resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal service implementation replaces the need for multiple distinct services. The service is designed to handle any job source to any document destination combination through parameterized configurations rather than dedicated service instances, significantly reducing the total quantity of software services required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple distinct service functions into a unified service framework. By combining the functionality of numerous source-specific and destination-specific services into one cohesive service model, the system reduces software overhead while maintaining the ability to handle diverse transmission scenarios.
3Reliability
If firmware upgrades are required to add new destination types, then service stability is maintained, but device flexibility and continuous expansion are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The service framework implements dynamic extensibility through standardized registration mechanisms that allow new document destinations to be added at runtime without requiring firmware updates. The system can dynamically incorporate new destinations while maintaining the stability of the core service architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the service architecture into a stable core framework and extensible destination modules. The core service logic remains fixed and stable, while new destinations can be added as independent modules that interface with the core through standardized protocols, allowing continuous expansion without compromising service stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a processor-readable medium stores code representing instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to receive a selected destination to which to send a job of a particular type, and pass the job, including the selected destination as a job parameter, to a job engine whose function matches the particular job type. The processor further matches the selected destination with a delivery agent that supports destination data associated with the selected destination and that is registered to receive a notification of the selected destination. The processor passes to the delivery agent, the destination data and a document reference to identify a document generated by the job engine from the job, and uses the document reference and the destination data to direct the delivery agent to retrieve the document and transmit it to the selected destination.