Server-Based Printer Setting Modification via Location Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques do not provide a method for changing printer setting information stored on a server after the printer has been registered, limiting the ability to update or modify settings related to the function executing device's configuration.

Innovation Solution

A server and function executing device system that allows for the storage and modification of setting information, including a controller to receive requests for changing settings, send location information for a setting change screen, and update the settings in memory based on user instructions from a terminal device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If printer setting information is stored on a server after registration, then the settings can be centrally managed, but the ability to change settings after registration is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting change capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the setting change functionality into distinct components: the server stores setting information, the function executing device (printer) generates location information for setting change screens, and the terminal device provides the user interface. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific role, enabling setting changes without requiring the printer to directly communicate with the terminal, thus maintaining system simplicity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary that receives location information requests from the function executing device, sends the appropriate screen data to the terminal device, and processes setting change requests. This intermediary role allows the system to enable setting changes after registration without requiring direct communication between the printer and terminal, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If location information for setting change screen is sent to terminal device, then users can change settings remotely, but security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote setting changeVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The server sends location information (URL) to the function executing device before the actual setting change occurs. This preliminary action establishes a secure communication path and allows the system to verify the authenticity of setting change requests before processing them, enabling remote setting changes while maintaining security through pre-established authentication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The function executing device sends location information requests to the server, and the server responds with screen data and setting change requests. This feedback loop ensures that only authenticated devices can initiate setting changes and that the server can verify and control each setting modification, providing security while enabling remote operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If setting information is stored in server memory, then centralized management is achieved, but flexibility to modify settings is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting modification flexibilityVSAvoidsetting update efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically enables setting changes after initial registration by providing a mechanism where the function executing device can request location information and the server can send updated screen data. This dynamic capability allows settings to be modified on-demand without requiring complete re-registration or system reconfiguration, achieving both centralized management and modification flexibility while maintaining efficient update processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11256451B2Server, function executing device, non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing computer readable instructions for server and function executing device

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A server disclosed herein may include a controller configured to: receive a location information request for requesting sending of location information from a function executing device; receive a first screen request including the location information from a first terminal device that has obtained the location information; send screen data representing the setting change screen to the first terminal device; receive a change request for requesting a change of the setting information from the first terminal device; and in a case where the change request is received from the first terminal device, change the setting information in the memory according to the change request.