Printing Device Connectivity Manager for Digital Front End

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing digital front-end (DFE) systems require significant time and resources to modify and recompile software whenever a new printing device is connected, leading to potential issues with existing connectivity modules and the DFE system itself.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a printing device connectivity manager with installable plug-in modules and APIs that allow dynamic interaction with various printing devices, enabling on-demand development of connectivity modules without modifying the main DFE software, and facilitating communication through multiple protocols like TCP/IP, USB, and NFC.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the DFE software is modified and recompiled to support a new printing device, then the printing device can be connected and communicated with, but the development time and resources increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity to new printing devicesVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connectivity functionality is segmented into separate, independently developable modules that can be added to the DFE system without modifying the core software. Each connectivity module handles communication with specific printing devices or protocols, allowing parallel development and faster integration of new device support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary connectivity manager layer is introduced between the DFE core and printing devices. This mediator handles device detection, protocol selection, and communication management, allowing new printing devices to be supported through the intermediary without requiring changes to the underlying DFE software architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the DFE software is modified and recompiled to support a new printing device, then the printing device can be connected and communicated with, but the complexity of the DFE system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity to new printing devicesVSAvoidDFE system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular components where connectivity functionality is isolated in separate modules. This segmentation allows the core DFE system to remain simple while supporting multiple printing devices through standardized interfaces and protocol handlers that can be added or removed independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11853630B1Printing device connectivity manager for a digital front end

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A printing system includes a digital front end (DFE) system connected to a plurality of printing devices. The DFE system manages printing operations to the plurality of printing devices. The DFE system also includes a printing device connectivity manager to manage connections with the printing devices. Printing connectivity modules are installed at the printing device connectivity manager using application programming interfaces (APIs) that are loaded at the creation of the printing connectivity modules. The APIs allow the printing connectivity modules to interact with the printing devices. The printing connectivity modules can communicate with application modules located at the printing devices.