Offline Device Configuration via Template-Based Point-to-Point Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device management systems struggle to configure and maintain devices without network connectivity, leading to human error and inefficiency in updating settings for devices like printers and MFDs, especially in scenarios where network access is limited or unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A configurator application that allows technicians to connect directly to devices via point-to-point connections, automatically identify devices, and apply configuration settings from templates obtained from a device management server, offering modes like automatic, guided, and free operation to manage settings effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If device configuration is performed manually by service technicians on-site, then devices can be configured without network connectivity, but human error increases and maintenance efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses configuration templates that store standardized device settings and systematically copy them to target devices. This eliminates manual configuration errors while maintaining the ability to work offline. The template-based approach ensures consistent, accurate configuration across multiple devices without requiring network connectivity during the actual configuration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring device settings into templates before field service. Technicians download these templates to their mobile devices in advance, allowing them to apply pre-vetted configurations on-site without network access. This preliminary preparation maintains configuration accuracy while enabling efficient offline operation.
2Reliability
If device configuration is performed through network-connected device management tools, then configuration accuracy improves through automated processes, but devices must be connected to the network which limits applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device management system into two independent parts: a server-side component for template creation and management, and a client-side configurator application for actual device configuration. This segmentation allows the configuration function to operate independently of network connectivity, enabling technicians to work offline while still using centralized templates when available.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration template serves as an intermediary between the device management server and the target device. It carries configuration data offline to field locations, bridging the gap between centralized management and distributed deployment. The template intermediary enables configuration accuracy without requiring continuous network connectivity.
3Ease of operation
If service technicians manually configure each device setting individually, then devices can be serviced without specialized tools, but the complexity of hundreds of settings increases error risk and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manually configuring each of the hundreds of device settings, the system copies pre-configured templates containing all necessary settings to the target device in a single operation. This maintains ease of operation for technicians while dramatically reducing configuration time from hours to minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple individual configuration settings into a single integrated configuration template. This consolidation allows technicians to apply hundreds of settings simultaneously through one action, maintaining operational simplicity while eliminating the time-consuming process of individual setting adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Tools are provided to enable a service technician or administrator to apply settings, via a mobile terminal, from configuration templates to a device, particularly when the device is accessible through a network. Such configuration templates may be obtained or downloaded to the mobile terminal from a device management server on a regular basis or as needed or on demand.