SaaS Printing Service Deployment Across Multi-Brand Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring computers to communicate with printers, especially in local networks with firewalls, is time-consuming and error-prone, particularly in SaaS deployments where individual configuration of multiple printers is required, and existing print servers are limited in supported printer types.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for SaaS deployment of printing services in a local network that uses a service manager installer to automate configuration and deployment, enabling communication through firewalls and supporting various printer brands and models, with features like auto-scaling and synchronization across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual configuration of multiple printers is performed manually, then printing services can be deployed in local networks, but the deployment process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring printing service templates with all necessary settings, driver configurations, and network parameters before deployment. The service manager installer retrieves these pre-configured templates and automatically applies them to multiple printers, eliminating the need for manual individual configuration during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service through the service manager installer, which automatically performs configuration tasks without human intervention. The system self-configures printing services by retrieving printer information, selecting appropriate drivers, configuring network settings, and deploying services across multiple printers autonomously, reducing both time and error rates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing print servers are used to manage multiple printers, then printing services can be provided, but the system becomes limited in supported printer types and brands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality through the service manager installer, which is designed to work with multiple printer brands and models through a unified interface. The system retrieves printer information using universal protocols (WSD, IPP, SNMP) and automatically selects appropriate drivers from a comprehensive repository, enabling support for diverse printer types without requiring brand-specific configuration tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of the service manager installer that mediates between the printing service system and various printer brands/models. This intermediary handles brand-specific variations by retrieving printer capabilities and translating them into standardized configuration parameters, allowing the core system to remain simple while supporting diverse printer types.
3Reliability
If manual configuration of printing services is performed, then deployment can be completed, but the process requires significant technical expertise and is prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the service manager installer to automatically perform configuration tasks without human intervention. The system autonomously retrieves printer information, selects appropriate drivers, configures network settings, and deploys printing services, eliminating errors associated with manual configuration while maintaining simplicity for end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the service manager installer continuously monitors deployment status, retrieves printer capability information, and adjusts configurations based on actual printer responses. This feedback loop ensures configuration accuracy by verifying that deployed settings are compatible with the target printers and making corrections if needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing printing services to a local network is described. The method includes receiving, at an electronic device, an indication from a server outside a local network to run a service manager. The method also includes running the service manager on the electronic device. The method also includes receiving, at the electronic device, an indication to run one or more printing services on the local network based on one or more printing service settings. The one or more printing services communicate at regular intervals with the server to determine whether the printing service settings have been reconfigured or updated.