Printer Driver Extension via Local Application Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users in environments where online stores are inaccessible, such as corporate networks with restricted internet access, face challenges in easily obtaining and installing Printer Support Applications (PSAs) for their printing devices.
Innovation Solution
A management apparatus and method that sets up an application management server to register and distribute an installer for extending in-box printer drivers, allowing clients to download and install the necessary software without relying on online stores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users access online store to download PSA, then PSA can be obtained easily, but access is blocked in restricted network environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary server (application management server) between the client apparatus and the online store. This server receives requests from clients in restricted networks, downloads the necessary PSA files from the online store, and distributes them to the clients, thereby mediating the access restriction problem without requiring direct online store access from end users
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-downloading and caching PSA files and update information on the intermediary server before clients need them. This allows clients in restricted networks to access PSAs locally without requiring real-time internet connectivity, effectively preparing resources in advance to overcome network restrictions
2Reliability
If corporate network restricts internet access for security, then security is improved, but PSA distribution becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary server acts as a trusted mediator within the corporate network that handles all PSA distribution operations. It maintains secure communication with the online store while providing safe, controlled access to clients, ensuring that security restrictions do not block legitimate PSA distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service PSA distribution where the intermediary server automatically handles download, verification, and distribution of PSAs to clients without requiring manual intervention. This automated approach maintains security protocols while simplifying the distribution process for clients in restricted networks
3Reliability
If only approved applications are available in corporate network, then security is maintained, but printing functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary server serves as an approved channel within the corporate network that curates and distributes PSAs. It verifies the authenticity and safety of applications before making them available to clients, maintaining security while enabling access to necessary printing functionality that would otherwise be blocked
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides universal access to multiple printing functions and PSAs through the intermediary server, allowing clients to access various approved applications and update information in a single centralized location, thereby enhancing printing capability while maintaining security through centralized control
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism capable of easily providing a PSA to a client apparatus used by a user who is not able to access an online store is provided. A management apparatus that executes software for managing a printer via a network, the management apparatus includes at least one processor, and a memory coupled to the processor storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as a providing unit that provides a setting screen for constructing an application management server on the network, and a registering unit that registers an installer in the application management server in accordance with settings made on the setting screen. The installer is an installer for an application for extending an in-box driver that has been installed in a client apparatus to use the printer, and the client apparatus downloads the installer from the application management server.