Dynamic Printing Software Customization via Multifunction Peripheral
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing software systems require cumbersome manual installation of customizations and updates across multiple computers, leading to inefficiencies and increased administrative costs, as they lack the ability for printers or multifunction peripherals to autonomously direct computers to customized software without requiring Internet connections or physical media.
Innovation Solution
A scalable printing software system with dynamic customization capability, where a multifunction peripheral can automatically provide and install customized printing software to connected computers, allowing printer administrators to customize workflows, user interfaces, and automate tasks without manual intervention on each device, using a server to manage and distribute updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual installation of printer drivers and software is used on each computer, then customization capability is achieved, but administrative time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The printer automatically provides and installs customized printing software to computers that request it, eliminating the need for administrators to manually install software on each computer. The system enables self-service deployment where the printer itself becomes the source of customized software distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
A server acts as an intermediary between the printer and computers, managing the distribution of customized printing software. The server receives requests from computers, obtains customized software from the printer, and installs it automatically, reducing administrative burden.
2Ease of operation
If Point and Print functionality is used to automatically obtain drivers, then manual installation effort is reduced, but customization capability for specific user groups is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the printing software based on the user group and specific printer being accessed. Instead of static driver installation, the system provides different customized software configurations automatically depending on the computer's credentials and the printer's capabilities, enabling both ease of operation and customization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customized printing software is installed manually on each computer, then specific user needs are met, but the process becomes costly in administrator time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The printer administrator pre-configures customized printing software and user group permissions in advance on the printer itself. This preliminary configuration is then automatically distributed to authorized computers without requiring administrators to manually install software on each machine, improving administrative efficiency while maintaining user-specific customization.
Data Source
AI summary
There are disclosed methods, systems and computer readable medium for a scalable printing software system. The method includes requesting installation of printing software from a printing device to enable a computing device to print using the printing device, receiving printing software from the printing device, and installing the printing software. The method further includes requesting information related to a customized version of the printing software from a customization server unrelated to the printing device, requesting installation of the customized version of the printer software, installing the customized version of the printing software and performing a print operation using the computing device to execute software components from the printing software and from the customized version of the printing software.