Network Device Manager Gateway for Printing Fleet Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing device management systems face challenges in efficiently coordinating maintenance and management operations across diverse printing devices with varying features and capabilities, particularly in large networks, as they require direct registration and communication with multiple devices and systems, leading to increased complexity and resource requirements.
Innovation Solution
A Network Device Manager (NDM) is introduced to act as a maintenance agent, registering with a device management system and facilitating communication between printing devices and the system, allowing for centralized management, data modification, and notification of maintenance messages, thereby reducing registration overhead and bandwidth while simplifying communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct registration and communication with multiple printing devices is implemented, then maintenance and management operations can be performed on individual devices, but system complexity and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a print server as an intermediary component that centralizes the management of multiple printing devices. The NDM registers with the print server rather than directly with each printing device, and the print server acts as a mediator to relay commands and data between the NDM and the printing devices. This intermediary architecture reduces system complexity by consolidating communication pathways and centralizing device management functions.
2Reliability
If direct connection with each printing device is established, then device-specific maintenance can be performed, but the number of direct connections and bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication channels into a single centralized connection. Instead of establishing separate direct connections between the NDM and each printing device, all communication is routed through the print server. This consolidation reduces the number of direct connections from N to 1 (where N is the number of printing devices), thereby reducing bandwidth requirements and network resource consumption while maintaining the ability to perform device-specific maintenance operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printing devices with different features are managed directly, then device-specific capabilities can be utilized, but training and resource needs for IT staff increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal management interface through the print server that can handle multiple types of printing devices with different features and capabilities. The print server provides standardized functions for managing diverse devices, including color printing, duplexing, and various colorant types. This universal approach allows IT staff to manage all devices through a single system with consistent procedures, reducing training requirements while maintaining the ability to utilize device-specific capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for utilizing a network device manager (NDM) as an agent for printing devices are provided. An NDM executing on a computing device can be registered as a. as a maintenance agent for a plurality of printing devices. The NDM can be utilized as the maintenance agent for the plurality of printing devices by: receiving inputs related to modifying data at the NDM; receiving data from the plurality of printing devices at the NDM; modifying the data received from the plurality of printing devices based on the inputs related to modifying data using the NDM; sending the modified data from the NDM to a device management system; after sending the modified data, receiving, at the NDM from the device management system, one or more maintenance messages related to maintenance of the plurality of printing devices; and providing a notification of the one or more maintenance messages.