Retail Photo System Configuration Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Retail Photo Systems require manual updates and configuration by trained operators, leading to errors, downtime, and inefficiencies due to the need for unique drivers, software licenses, and configuration information for each system, which lacks an automated and secure configuration module for remote management.

Innovation Solution

A Retail Photo System with a configuration module that includes a memory device for storing configuration and license information, isolated from the computer processor during normal use, which can automatically initiate updates and licensing without operator intervention, using a remote business management system to periodically send updates and manage content and software configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual updates and configuration are performed by trained operators, then system configuration accuracy is improved, but system downtime increases and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidsystem availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-configuration and self-updating through automated detection of hardware components, automatic generation of configuration files, and autonomous software updates without requiring manual operator intervention, thereby eliminating downtime while maintaining configuration accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration information and software updates are prepared and staged in advance in a remote repository, allowing the system to quickly deploy pre-tested configurations without requiring operators to perform time-consuming manual setup procedures during system maintenance windows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual configuration updates are performed, then configuration information can be updated, but time consumption increases and error rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidupdate time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical process of operator-based configuration updates is replaced with an automated electronic system that uses software agents to detect hardware changes, retrieve configuration templates, generate configuration files, and apply updates automatically, eliminating human error and reducing update time from hours to minutes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors hardware component status and automatically triggers configuration updates when changes are detected, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that ensures configuration information remains synchronized with actual system state without requiring manual intervention or causing system downtime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If configuration information is stored locally in the retail photo system, then access speed is improved, but security and protection from unauthorized access decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration access speedVSAvoidunauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration management system is segmented into two parts: a secure remote repository that stores master configuration templates and a local cache that stores frequently accessed configuration data. The remote repository maintains security through encrypted storage and controlled access, while the local cache provides fast access speeds for operational systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An automated configuration agent acts as an intermediary between the remote secure repository and the local retail photo system. This agent automatically retrieves and validates configuration updates, ensuring that only authorized configuration changes are applied while maintaining both security and access efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If unique configuration information is created for each system, then system specificity and adaptability are improved, but complexity of configuration management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem specificityVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal configuration template system is implemented that can be automatically adapted to different hardware configurations. The templates define standardized configuration parameters that can be instantiated for various system types, eliminating the need to manually create unique configurations for each system while maintaining system-specific adaptability through automated parameter substitution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9684913B2Retail photo system configuration module and system

Publication Date: 2017.06.20 KODAK ALARIS LLC

AI summary

The present invention is a configuration module for a Retail Photo System. The configuration module is a memory module that provides system configuration information for use with a network connected Retail Photo System. Physical and digital controlled access to the configuration module is provided by a locking enclosure, password protected access, and an automatic scenario based activation means. Access to the configuration module is limited to authorized personnel and remote access, or via scenario based activation.