Remote Print Manager Version Switching Across Printer Clusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators in a print fleet system face challenges in utilizing the full functionality of remote print manager software across printers with varying versions, leading to inefficiencies and missed interventions due to lack of real-time visual feedback on higher version availability.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to detect and connect to a higher software version of the remote print manager module within a printer cluster, enabling automatic switching to the preferred version through visual feedback or user interaction, ensuring seamless access to enhanced functionalities without manual installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operators manually inspect each printer to determine software version, then they can identify higher version availability, but this process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic version detection and comparison without requiring operator intervention. The remote print manager module automatically queries printer versions, compares them, and identifies higher versions, eliminating manual inspection efforts while maintaining accurate version detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback to operators indicating when higher software versions are available in the cluster. This feedback mechanism guides operators to connect to printers with newer versions, solving both the accuracy of version detection and the time efficiency by making information immediately available.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators connect to printers with older software versions, then they can access current functionality, but they miss out on enhanced features and timely interventions available in newer versions
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback to operators indicating when higher software versions are available in the cluster. This feedback is displayed in the user interface, guiding operators to switch to printers with newer versions that offer enhanced functionality and features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between operators and printer versions by automatically detecting available versions and presenting version information through the user interface. This intermediary function simplifies the switching process by providing clear guidance on which printer to connect to for accessing enhanced features.
3Productivity
If the system provides automatic version detection and switching, then operators can access latest features efficiently, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote print manager module performs automatic version detection, comparison, and identification without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability enhances operational efficiency by eliminating manual version checking while the implementation leverages existing system resources to minimize added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing remote print manager module is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it continues its original remote management capabilities while adding automatic version detection and comparison functionality. This multi-functionality approach increases productivity without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of remotely using a remote print manager module which is installed on each printer of a cluster of printers and is configured to display printer data and job data of each printer in the cluster in a window of a web browser. The method comprises the steps of selecting a first printer in the cluster by means of the web browser, connecting to the remote print manager module of the first printer in the cluster, detecting a remote print manager module of a second printer in the cluster which module has a higher software version than the remote print manager module of the first printer, and disconnecting from the remote print manager module of the first printer, selecting the second printer in the cluster by means of the web browser, and connecting to the remote print manager module of the second printer.