Remote Print Device Management via Intermediary Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote management of print devices is hindered by firewalls, which prevent call center agents from accessing or modifying settings or data within a client's firewall, necessitating manual intervention or reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A method where a second server transmits queries to a first server, determining and sending instructions to print devices without firewall restrictions, allowing remote control of print devices for actions like setting changes, firmware upgrades, and troubleshooting, using protocols like HTTP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a firewall is implemented to secure the client's network, then security is improved, but remote access to print devices is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives commands from remote call center agents and forwards them to print devices through the firewall. The server acts as a mediator that enables communication between the external management system and internal print devices without compromising firewall security, allowing remote management while maintaining network protection.
2Ease of operation
If the firewall administrator reconfigures the system to permit external server access, then remote management capability is improved, but firewall security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as a trusted intermediary that is already authorized within the network perimeter. Rather than opening firewall ports to external devices, the architecture uses an internal server that can communicate with both the print devices and the external management system, maintaining firewall integrity while enabling remote management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual representation or copy of the print device management interface on the server, allowing remote agents to interact with a replicated control interface rather than directly accessing the physical devices. This copying approach enables remote management without creating direct communication channels through the firewall.
3Ease of operation
If a service agent is dispatched to the client's site for device access, then direct device access is achieved, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service remote management where call center agents can independently access and manage print devices through the server interface without requiring physical dispatch. The automated command forwarding mechanism allows agents to perform troubleshooting, firmware updates, and configuration changes remotely, eliminating the need for on-site service visits.
4Extent of automation
If the hosted server upgrades the printing device after obtaining permission, then device upgrade capability is improved, but complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server automatically manages the firmware upgrade process by receiving upgrade commands from remote agents, retrieving appropriate firmware images, and forwarding them to the target print devices. The system handles the entire upgrade workflow automatically without requiring manual intervention from administrators or complex coordination between multiple systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a print device using an instruction corresponding to a command received from a remote location. A second server may transmit a query directed to a first server. The second server may be prevented from receiving unauthorized communication from the first server by a firewall. If the first server has a relevant command available, the second server may receive a response to the query. The response may include the relevant command. The second server may determine a print device for which the command is relevant. An instruction corresponding to the relevant command may be sent from the second server to the print device. Communication between the print device and the second server may not be restricted by the firewall. The printing device may implement the instruction. If the first server does not have a relevant command available, the transmitting may automatically repeat until the first server has a relevant command available.