Fleet Device Clone Management with Segmented Policy Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing fleets of computer-operated devices, such as printers and copiers, require resource-intensive efforts due to the need for one-size-fits-all master clone files, leading to costly and complex processes for handling device settings and security updates across different levels and groups within a corporation, especially when devices move or require unique settings.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows child devices to sense location and level changes in a tree structure, receive updated permissions and policies via a master clone file, and automatically apply these changes, while also enabling exemption requests for unique settings, allowing for the creation of group-specific clone files and tracking exceptions to maintain fleet consistency and support custom configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one-size-fits-all master clone files are distributed to all devices, then fleet management becomes easier and devices become identical in settings, but devices at different levels or groups cannot have unique settings and productivity is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clone file into multiple components: a master clone file containing common settings applicable to all devices, and level-specific or group-specific clone files containing unique settings for different organizational levels or groups. This segmentation allows simultaneous ease of management through centralized master file distribution and adaptability through targeted application of group-specific files.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different portions of the clone file to have different applicability scopes. The master clone file provides universal settings, while additional clone files provide localized settings for specific levels or groups. Each device receives the appropriate combination based on its location and organizational level, ensuring unique settings where needed while maintaining consistency elsewhere.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clone files are created for different levels or groups, then unique settings can be provided, but the task of creating, delivering and installing clone files becomes complex and resource intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The master clone file serves multiple functions: it provides the base configuration for all devices, acts as a template for generating level-specific files, and enables centralized distribution to multiple organizational levels. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of files that need to be managed while still providing unique settings for different groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the master clone file with common settings that can be automatically applied to all devices. Level-specific and group-specific clone files are also prepared in advance with their unique settings. When a device is deployed, the appropriate combination of files is automatically selected and applied, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration during device setup.
3Reliability
If master clone files are distributed frequently to update settings, then security and settings are kept current, but every uniquely-chartered group requires additional intervention to maintain exception settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices report their current configuration state and organizational level to the centralized management system. The system automatically determines which clone files (master and level-specific) should be applied based on this feedback. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for manual intervention at remote locations while ensuring that security and settings remain current through frequent, automated updates.
Solution Approach 2:
Devices perform self-service by automatically receiving and applying the appropriate clone files based on their organizational level and group affiliation. The centralized system distributes updated master and group-specific clone files, and devices automatically apply these updates without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains security and settings currentness while eliminating time-consuming remote interventions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If local administrators are provided with credentials to change exception settings, then unique group settings can be maintained, but this is an objectionable task for local admins due to the frequency of master clone file distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically applying group-specific clone files to devices based on their organizational level and group affiliation. Local administrators do not need to manually intervene to maintain exception settings, as the system handles this automatically. This eliminates the objectionable task for local admins while preserving the ability to maintain unique group settings through automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a method of processing location and level changes for managed devices, which includes a child device sensing a move to a new location and level in a tree structure including levels having different permissions and policies, and the child device receiving permissions and policies for the new location and level via a master clone file. Also described is a method of updating policies in a device in a fleet of image forming devices that includes identifying a setting in the device that should not be updated automatically, setting a respective flag associated with the identified setting, thereby indicating that the setting is not to be updated automatically, receiving a file with updated policy values, and updating settings of the device according to the updated policy values except for the identified setting. Also described is a method for processing exemption requests in a fleet of image forming devices.