Printer Cloud Connection via Inverted Outbound WebSocket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printer management systems require complex setups involving central servers or locally connected computers, and remote management often necessitates exposing printers through network firewalls or VPNs, posing security and control challenges.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based connection system that enables printers to initiate secure connections with servers, using WebSocket protocols and security certificates to establish and manage multiple communication channels, allowing for remote configuration, provisioning, and alert notifications without altering network settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If printers are exposed through network firewall or VPN for remote management, then remote access capability is improved, but network security and system control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing external systems to initiate connections to printers through firewalls or VPNs, the patent inverts the connection direction by enabling printers to initiate outbound connections to cloud servers. This approach maintains security by not exposing internal network services while still achieving remote management capability through the printer's active connection to external resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If central servers or locally connected computers are used for printer management, then printer management functionality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables printers to autonomously establish connections with cloud servers and perform self-registration, self-provisioning, and self-configuration without requiring manual setup of central servers or local management infrastructure. This self-service capability reduces system complexity while maintaining comprehensive printer management functionality through cloud-based services.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication channels are established for different printer operations, then communication versatility is improved, but connection management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a single persistent WebSocket connection that serves multiple communication purposes including print jobs, status monitoring, configuration updates, and alert notifications. This universal connection approach eliminates the need to manage multiple separate communication channels while maintaining full operational versatility through a unified communication pathway.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided to facilitate connections between devices, such as a printer and a cloud-based server, and to implement an adaptive application framework. In the context of an apparatus, a printer is provided comprising communications circuitry configured to facilitate communications with a network; and processing circuitry configured to transmit a connection request to the network; receive requested connection parameters from the network; transmit printer connection parameters to the network; and establish a first secure connection between the printer and the network. The printer comprising processing circuitry further configured to receive requested connection parameters comprising at least a signed security certificate and a DNS name for a server on the network and to verify the signed security certificate and the DNS name for the server. The printer comprising processing circuitry further configured to transmit printer connection parameters comprising at least a signed security certificate for the printer.