Imaging Driver Auto-Configuration via Embedded Download
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual installation and configuration of imaging drivers, such as printer drivers, on client devices are time-consuming, often result in non-current versions being installed, and are prone to human error, leading to inaccurate configuration with the device's capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The method involves directly downloading the correct imaging driver and configuration information from the imaging device to the client device via the same bi-directional communication port used for imaging-job data exchange, allowing for auto-configuration during the device installation process, even before the imaging device is installed on the client device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual installation and configuration of imaging drivers is performed, then the driver can be installed on the client device, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device automatically provides the correct driver and configuration information to the client device through the communication port, eliminating the need for manual driver selection and configuration. The system self-configures by downloading the appropriate driver package directly from the imaging device, ensuring accuracy while reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The correct driver and configuration information are prepared in advance within the imaging device before installation is needed. When installation is required, the driver is already packaged and ready to be downloaded immediately through the communication port, eliminating delays associated with manual driver search and selection.
2Reliability
If manual driver installation from external sources is performed, then the driver can be installed, but the version may not be current or accurate for the specific device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device provides feedback about its specific capabilities and requirements directly to the client device during the download process. The system automatically selects and downloads the driver version that matches the imaging device's capabilities, ensuring accuracy without requiring the user to manually check compatibility or select from multiple versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication port acts as an intermediary between the imaging device and the client device, facilitating the automatic transfer of the correct driver package. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the most current and appropriate driver is delivered directly from the imaging device to the client device, eliminating the need for users to navigate external driver sources.
3Extent of automation
If the driver download process uses the same bi-directional communication port for imaging-job data exchange, then the process is simplified and automated, but the communication port must support both functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-directional communication port is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the interface for both imaging-job data exchange and driver package transfer. This multi-functional capability enables automated driver installation without requiring separate dedicated ports, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining automation benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication-associated structure and process utilizing (a) a client device, (b) a communication port, and (c) an imaging device which includes an embedded driver and related configuring information. The process, employing these structural elements, involves communicatively associating the two devices through the communication port, and thereafter, and making use of the embedded driver and related configuring information, equipping the client device with a fully configured installation of that driver. This equipping is accomplished through the specific steps of downloading, from the imaging device to the client device, the embedded driver and related configuring information, and thereafter auto-configuring the downloaded driver with the downloaded configuring information.