Local Network Printing Service Deployment Across Firewalls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring computers to communicate with printers, especially in local networks with firewalls, is time-consuming and error-prone, particularly in SaaS deployment scenarios where individual configuration of printer drivers and profiles is required, and existing print servers are limited in supported printer types.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for SaaS deployment of printing services in a local network using a service manager installer that automates the configuration and deployment of printing services, including AirPrint®, Google Cloud Print®, and email printing, across various devices and printers, bypassing firewall restrictions through a service host object and device client communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual configuration of printer drivers and profiles is performed manually, then compatibility with specific printer models is achieved, but deployment time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring printer driver packages and profiles on the print server before deployment. The system prepares multiple printer types and models in advance, storing them as ready-to-deploy packages. When a new printer is added to the network, the pre-configured packages are automatically distributed and installed, eliminating the need for manual configuration during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service deployment where the print server automatically detects new printers, retrieves appropriate pre-configured driver packages, and installs them without human intervention. The automated deployment process includes self-configuration of printer profiles and driver installation, allowing the system to serve itself in deploying printing services across the network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive printer support is provided across multiple brands and models, then versatility is improved, but system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the comprehensive printer support into discrete, modular driver packages. Each printer brand and model has its own separate package containing drivers, profiles, and configuration settings. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple printer types without creating a monolithic complex system - each printer type is handled as an independent, self-contained unit that can be deployed individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The print server is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple printer brands and models through a standardized interface. The system uses a common deployment mechanism that works across all printer types, with the universal print server capable of storing, managing, and distributing diverse printer packages through the same infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity despite supporting many printer varieties.
3Reliability
If print server functionality is hosted locally, then printing services are reliable and fast, but SaaS providers bear the resource burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the resource-intensive functions of printer driver storage, package management, and deployment processing from the SaaS provider's infrastructure and places them locally on the customer's print server. The SaaS provider only needs to host the lightweight deployment service that manages the distribution of pre-configured packages, while the actual printing service runs locally on the customer's hardware, reducing the provider's resource burden while maintaining service reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing printing services to a local network is described. The method includes receiving, at an electronic device, an indication from a server outside a local network to run a service manager. The method also includes running the service manager on the electronic device. The method also includes receiving, at the electronic device, an indication to run one or more printing services on the local network based on one or more printing service settings. The one or more printing services communicate at regular intervals with the server to determine whether the printing service settings have been reconfigured or updated.