Print Fleet Remote Manager Switching for Mixed Software Versions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators in a print fleet system face inefficiencies when using remote print manager modules with varying software versions, as they cannot easily access the full functionality of newer versions, leading to missed interventions and manual inspection of each printer to determine the best version for needed functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to detect and connect to a remote print manager module with a higher software version within a printer cluster, allowing automatic switching to this version through the web browser or remote print manager module, providing visual feedback and automatic parameter transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If operators manually inspect each printer to find the latest software version, then they can access enhanced features, but this process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and switches to the latest software version without requiring manual intervention from operators. The remote print manager module autonomously queries other printers in the cluster for newer versions and performs the switch, making the system self-updating and eliminating time-consuming manual inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively detects the latest software version before the operator needs to use it. By continuously monitoring and identifying newer versions in advance, the system ensures that the latest functionality is already available when the operator accesses the remote print manager, rather than requiring manual search and inspection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators use remote print manager with older software version, then system stability is maintained, but newer features and functionalities are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a universal access point that provides the latest software functionality across the entire printer cluster. By allowing any printer in the cluster to serve as the source of the latest remote print manager version, the system makes advanced features universally accessible while maintaining system stability through controlled version switching.
3Productivity
If the system requires manual version inspection and selection, then version control is precise, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs version detection, comparison, and switching operations without requiring manual intervention. The remote print manager module autonomously identifies newer versions among cluster printers and executes the switch, dramatically improving operational efficiency while maintaining precise version control through automated comparison logic.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method of remotely using a remote print manager module which is installed on each printer of a cluster of printers and is configured to display printer data and job data of each printer in the cluster in a window of a web browser. The method comprises the steps of selecting a first printer in the cluster by means of the web browser, connecting to the remote print manager module of the first printer in the cluster, detecting a remote print manager module of a second printer in the cluster which module has a higher software version than the remote print manager module of the first printer, and disconnecting from the remote print manager module of the first printer, selecting the second printer in the cluster by means of the web browser, and connecting to the remote print manager module of the second printer.