Printer Software Distribution via Containerized Micro-Service Clustering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing large networks of printers is resource-intensive for IT personnel, with existing printer management applications often leading to errors, bandwidth limitations, and inefficient resource allocation due to the need for complex installations and frequent upgrades of high-runner services.
Innovation Solution
The use of container technology allows for the creation of clusters of compatible printers, enabling the customization and deployment of micro-services within a container image that can be scaled and tailored to specific printer characteristics, reducing bandwidth usage and enabling flexible resource allocation by transmitting only necessary micro-services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional printer management applications are deployed across large printer networks, then comprehensive printer management capability is achieved, but resource consumption by IT personnel increases and errors occur more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printer management system into containerized micro-services that can be independently deployed and managed. Each printer management function is packaged as a separate container image with defined characteristics, allowing granular control and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of software deployment from traditional application installation to container image transmission. By defining and comparing container characteristics (hardware requirements, software dependencies, version constraints) with actual printer specifications, the system automatically determines compatibility, reducing manual configuration complexity and errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complete printer management applications are transmitted to all printers, then full functionality is available, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary micro-services from the complete printer management application based on each printer's specific characteristics. By comparing container image requirements with actual printer capabilities, the system transmits only the subset of micro-services needed for that specific printer, reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining full functionality where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by customizing the container image transmission for each printer based on its specific characteristics. Different printers receive different sets of micro-services tailored to their hardware and software capabilities, ensuring each printer gets exactly what it needs without unnecessary bandwidth consumption.
3Ease of operation
If traditional printer management software is installed on each printer, then full management capabilities are available, but installation and upgrade processes become error-prone and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses container image copying instead of traditional software installation. Complete container images are created once with all necessary micro-services and dependencies, then copied to target printers based on compatibility matching. This eliminates repetitive installation steps and reduces deployment errors while maintaining full management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring container images with all necessary micro-services, dependencies, and configuration files before transmission. Compatibility checking is performed in advance by comparing container characteristics with printer specifications, so no post-deployment configuration or manual setup is needed, significantly reducing deployment time and errors.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of arranging a cluster of printers that are able to run a customized container image based on the requirements of the applications in the container and the characteristics of the printers in the network. The method includes receiving a container image of software configured to be executed on printers. The method also includes determining and receiving a response to a query for printer characteristics using the server. Additionally, the method includes determining image-eligible micro-services that are configured to execute on a set of selected image-eligible printers selected based on a comparison of the response information with the container-eligible characteristics. Moreover, the method includes determining that the container image is configured to execute image-eligible micro-services. The method further includes, sending the container image to the image-eligible printers and executing the printer management application on the image-eligible printers.