Method and device for passing on data related to media processing devices

专利摘要:
Methods and devices for transmitting data related to media processing devices are disclosed. An exemplary media processing apparatus seated in a network is provided with a display configured to collect observation data related to the media processing apparatus in accordance with a configuration file stored in the media processing apparatus; and to transmit the sensing data to a first device outside the network via a first permanent connection between the media processing device and the first external device; and a controller configured to receive an operational instruction from a second external device via a second permanent connection between the media processing device and the second external device, the second permanent connection being independent of the first permanent connection; and to execute the operational instruction in the media processing apparatus, wherein the operational instruction controls media processing hardware of the media processing apparatus.
公开号:BE1025196B1
申请号:E2017/5631
申请日:2017-09-05
公开日:2018-12-07
发明作者:Andrew J. Pekarske；Gordon E. Molek；Jared Coy Roundy；Huis James P. Van
申请人:Zih Corp.；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Method and device for passing on data related to media processing devices
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This description mainly relates to media processing devices and, more particularly, to methods and devices for transmitting data related to media processing devices.
BACKGROUND
An example media processing device is provided with parts that generate license plates on media. Entities related to the media processing device, such as persons or machines charged with maintaining and / or managing the media processing device, benefit from having data indicative of, for example, the condition of certain parts, performance of license plate generation, use of stock, and / or any other desired information.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a media processing apparatus seated in a network, the media processing apparatus comprising a display configured to collect observation data related to the media processing apparatus in accordance with a configuration file stored in the media processing apparatus, and configured to transmit the observation data to a first device outside the network via a first permanent connection between the media processing device and the first external device; and the media processing device further a controller because it is configured
BE2017 / 5631 is to receive an operational instruction from a second external device via a second permanent connection between the media processing device and the second external device, the second permanent connection being independent of the first permanent connection; and is configured to execute the operational instruction in the media processing apparatus, wherein the operational instruction controls media processing hardware of the media processing apparatus, and wherein the display and / or control is implemented via a logic circuit.
Preferably, the first permanent connection can be a first WebSocket provided with one channel, and the second permanent connection can be a second WebSocket provided with one or more channels.
The media processing apparatus may further comprise an authenticator for setting the first permanent connection via a first authentication session, and for setting the second permanent connection via a second authentication session.
The first permanent connection can further be prevented from passing on data capable of controlling the media processing hardware.
The display can be further configured to transmit the observation data in accordance with an interval as determined in the configuration file.
The display can also be configured to communicate, via the first permanent connection, an indication of a version of the configuration file to the first external device.
The display can be further configured to change the configuration file, in response to receiving an update from the first external device via the first permanent connection.
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The display can also be configured to provide an opt-out option for turning off the collection of the observation data.
The observation data may be of a data type that is unable to control the operation of the media processing hardware.
The display can be configured to determine whether a prohibition condition is present before transmitting the observation data via the first permanent connection.
The operational instruction can be a print job and the media processing hardware can be provided with a print head.
Additionally or alternatively, the operational instruction may be a change to a print setting, and the media processing hardware may be controlled by the print setting.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for use in a media processing apparatus seated in a network, the method comprising collecting, via a logic circuit of the media processing apparatus, observation data related to the media processing apparatus in accordance with a configuration file that is stored in the media processing device; passing, via the logic circuit, the sensing data to a first device outside the network, via a first permanent connection between the media processing device and the first external device; and, in response to receiving operational instructions from a second external device via a second permanent connection between the media processing device and the second external device, executing the operational instructions in the media processing device, the second permanent connection being independent of the first permanent connection connection, and operating instructional media processing hardware of the media processing device.
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The first permanent connection may preferably be a first WebSocket provided with one channel, and the second permanent connection may be a second WebSocket provided with one or more channels.
The method may further comprise setting the first permanent connection via a first authentication session, and setting the second permanent connection via a second authentication session.
The first permanent connection can further be prevented from passing on data capable of controlling the media processing hardware.
The passing of the observation data may comprise the passing of the observation data in accordance with an interval as determined in the configuration file.
The method may further include communicating, via the first permanent connection, an indication of a version of the configuration file to the first external device.
The method may further include modifying the configuration file in response to receiving an update from the first external device via the first persistent connection.
The method may further include providing an opt-out option for turning off the collection of the sensing data.
The observation data may be of a data type that is unable to control the operation of the media processing hardware.
The method may further comprise determining whether a prohibition condition is present before transmitting the observation data via the first permanent connection.
The operational instruction may be a print job and the media processing hardware may be provided with a print head.
Additionally or alternatively, the operational instruction may be a change to a print setting, and the media processing hardware may be controlled by the print setting.
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According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program product comprising computer readable instructions which, when executed, cause the computer to collect at least observation data related to a media processing apparatus in accordance with a configuration file stored in the media processing apparatus ; transmits the observation data to a first device outside the network via a first permanent connection between the media processing device and the first external device; receives an operational instruction from a second external device via a second permanent connection between the media processing device and the second external device, the second permanent connection being independent of the first permanent connection; and executes the operational instruction in the media processing apparatus, wherein the operational instruction controls media processing hardware of the media processing apparatus.
According to a further further aspect of the invention, a server is provided in a first network, comprising an observer configured to receive observation data from a media processing apparatus seated in a second network via a first permanent connection between the media processing apparatus and the server; and to provide, via the first permanent connection, the media processing apparatus with a configuration file that determines the type of observation data to be collected by the media processing apparatus, the observer being prevented from relaying an operational instruction to the media processing apparatus and the operational instruction media processing hardware of the media processing apparatus governs.
The observer may be further configured to receive, via a first permanent connection, a discovery packet from the media processing apparatus, the discovery packet being
BE2017 / 5631 provided with an indication of a current version of the configuration file stored in the media processing device.
The first permanent connection may preferably be a first WebSocket provided with one channel, and the media processing device may be in contact with another server via a second permanent connection through which the operational instruction is permitted, and the second permanent connection may be a second WebSocket that has one or more channels.
The server can further be provided with an authenticator for setting the first permanent connection via an authentication session.
The first permanent connection can be prevented from passing on data capable of controlling the media processing hardware.
The configuration file may further determine an interval at which the media processing device passes on the observation data.
The observation data may be of a data type that is unable to control the operation of the media processing hardware.
The operational instruction may be a print job and the media processing hardware may be provided with a print head.
Additionally or alternatively, the operational instruction may be a change to a print setting, and the media processing hardware may be controlled by the print setting.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for using a server seated in a first network, the method comprising storing observation data received from a media processing device seated in a second network via a first permanent connection between the media processing device and the server; the media processing apparatus, via the first permanent connection, provided with a configuration file which determines the type of the observation data; and inhibiting the transmission of an operational instruction to the media processing apparatus via the first
BE2017 / 5631 permanent connection, the operational instruction controlling the media processing hardware of the media processing device.
The method may further comprise receiving, via the first permanent connection, a discovery packet from the media processing apparatus, the discovery packet being provided with an indication of a current version of the configuration file stored in the media processing apparatus.
The first permanent connection may be a first WebSocket that is provided with one channel, and the media processing device may be in contact with another server via a second permanent connection, and the second permanent connection may be a second WebSocket provided with one or more channels.
The method may further include setting the first permanent connection via an authentication session.
The first permanent connection can further be prevented from passing on data capable of controlling the media processing hardware.
The configuration file may further determine an interval at which the media processing device passes on the observation data.
The observation data may be of a data type that is unable to control the operation of the media processing hardware.
The operational instruction may, for example, be a print job and the media processing hardware may be provided with a print head.
Additionally or alternatively, the operational instruction may be a change to a print setting, and the media processing hardware may be controlled by the print setting.
According to a further further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a media processing apparatus located in a first network; a first server seated in a network other than the first network; and a second server seated in a network other than the first network, wherein the media processing device is
BE2017 / 5631 configured to collect observation data related to the media processing apparatus in accordance with a configuration file stored in the media processing apparatus, the observation data being of a data type that is unable to control the media processing operation; and to transmit the sensing data to the first server via a first permanent connection established between the media processing device and the first server; and wherein the first server is configured to provide the media processing device with a configuration file, the configuration file determining the sensing data collected by the media processing device; and wherein the second server is configured to provide the media processing apparatus with an operational instruction via a second permanent connection established between the second server and the media processing apparatus, the operational instruction controlling a media processing operation performed by hardware of the media processing apparatus; wherein the first permanent connection is independent of the second permanent connection; and wherein the first permanent connection is prevented from transmitting data capable of controlling the media processing operation.
The present invention will be further explained with reference to the figures of the exemplary embodiments. Corresponding elements are indicated with corresponding reference characters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a block diagram representative of an exemplary media processing apparatus assembled in accordance with the teachings in this description.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the exemplary media processing apparatus of FIG. 1.
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FIG. 3 is a side view of internal components of the exemplary media processing apparatus of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram representative of an exemplary embodiment of the media processing apparatus of FIG. 1 and a printer observation server compiled in accordance with the teachings in this description.
FIG. 5 is a message diagram representative of example messages related to the example of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart representative of exemplary activities that may be performed to perform the example display of FIGS. 1 and / or 4.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary logic circuit capable of executing execution instructions, e.g., the example display of figures. 1 and / or 4, the exemplary print control and / or control system of FIG. 1, and / or the exemplary print sensing server and / or analysis engine of FIG. 4.
EXTENDED FIGURE DESCRIPTION
The teachings of this description are described herein in relation to media processing devices. However, the teachings of this description are applicable to any suitable type of device that performs one or more activities and is capable of communicating data relating to the one or more activities and / or one or more other aspects of the device. For example, while the teachings of this description are described in relation to printers and data related to printer parts, the teachings of this description can be performed in scanners that have license plates (e.g., bar codes, QR codes, codes stored on radio frequency identification transponders (RFID)) imaging and interpreting in receivers or localization systems that receive and interpret radio frequency (RF) transmissions and positions of objects based on received transmissions
BE2017 / 5631 and / or in any other type of device that performs one or more functions and is capable of transmitting data relating to one or more activities and / or one or more other aspects of the device.
In some systems, a media processing device (MVA) present in a network is accessible by a machine that is not present in the network. Either the MVA can be accessed by a remote or external machine (for example, a machine not on the same network as the MVA, such as a remote server). Remote access to the MVA can mean that the MVA is exposed to the external machine by a network firewall or by setting up a VPN (virtual private network). In such cases, the external machine may need to start the connection with the MVA, which often creates problems with the network firewall. For example, network firewalls are often configured to allow only outgoing connection requests and would thus reject the connection request from the remote machine. Alternatively, the network firewall may view the external connection request as a non-standard internet connection and block the connection. Setting up these external or remote connections may require adjustments to network firewall settings to allow such connections, which can cause security issues (for example, exposing MVA control over the remote connection).
To allow a secure connection to the external machine (for example, a server seated in a cloud) without requiring changes in network security settings (for example, firewall settings) and without requiring setting up a VPN, some MVAs are configured to connect to the external machine and then set up a permanent connection to the external machine until, for example, the MVA is turned off. The MWA can be configured to initiate a connection to the external machine using data exchange protocols or demand
BE2017 / 5631 response protocols such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) or HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) and to request that the connection be converted to an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) 5 WebSocket protocol connection (WebSocket; defined by Internet Engineering Task Force RFC 6455 ). Such a WebSocket connection can allow the MVA and the remote server to communicate as if the MVA and the external machine are connected behind the same firewall, such as through a traditional TCP (Transmission Control Protocal) RAW port (e.g. port 9100).
A WebSocket connection can provide a full-duplex connection channel over a single connection, such as a TCP connection. Such a connection is bidirectional, making it possible for both sides to transfer data as soon as they are available. In addition, such a connection may allow data to be transmitted using different open or proprietary formats or languages, such as JSON (Java Script Object Notation) or SGD (Zebra Set Get Do). In particular, when control of the MVA is enabled or permitted over such a permanent connection, a malicious player gaining access to the communication channel can control one or more activities of the MVA. Accordingly, permanent connections between the MVA and external machine (s) can pose a safety challenge.
Example systems, methods, and devices described herein provide efficient and secure opportunity to pass data related to an MVA to, for example, an external machine such as a remote server. As described in detail below, the examples described herein establish multiple permanent connections between the MVA and one or more external machine (s), where at least one of the permanent connections has one or more unique impediments. In some examples described herein, a first permanent connection (e.g., a WebSocket) is set between the MVA and a first
BE2017 / 5631 external machine to allow the first external machine to operate and / or control a certain activity (s) of the MVA. In the examples described herein, the first external machine may be referred to as an operating machine (e.g., a print operating server). Operation and / or control of the activity (s) include, for example, a possibility to adjust settings related to hardware (for example, a printhead, a motor, and / or sensors) and / or a possibility for certain types of jobs (e.g., print jobs) ) to the MVA. As such, the first permanent connection is sometimes referred to herein as an operational control connection. When the media processing device is a thermal printer, the example operation control connection allows the operating machine to control, for example, a print operation by sending a print command or instruction and / or by changing a print setting by sending a new value for the print setting.
Additionally, examples described herein establish a second permanent connection (e.g., a WebSocket) between the MVA and a second external machine to enable the second external machine to observe one or more aspects of the MVA by receiving observation data indicative of the one or more aspects of the MVA. In the examples described herein, the second external machine may be referred to as an observing machine (e.g., a printer observing server). While examples described herein describe first and second machines, the examples described herein may apply to a single external machine that performs operation and sensing functions. MVA observation includes, for example, informing the MVA of desired observation data related to the MVA and receiving the observation data from the MVA via the second permanent connection. As such, the second permanent compound is sometimes referred to herein as
BE2017 / 5631 an observation data connection. As described in detail below, examples described below limit the passing of the observation data to certain data types. In addition, examples described herein limit a direction in which certain data types are passed over the observation data connection.
For example, in some examples described herein, only first and second data types, such as (1) a discovery package indicative of a version of a configuration file and (2) observation data indicative of an aspect of the MVA, are permitted over the observation data connection in a first direction from the MVA to the viewer, and only a third data type, such as a new configuration file, is allowed over the viewer data connection in a second direction from the viewer to the MVA. Alternatively, in some examples, only a first data type (e.g., observation data) is permitted over the observation data connection in a first direction from the MVA to the observation machine, and only a second data type (e.g., a new configuration file) is permitted over the observation data connection in a second direction from the observation machine to the MVA.
In addition, examples described herein prevent communication over the observation data connection when certain prohibition condition related to the MVA are present, such as a current performance of a print activity that takes precedence over the observation data.
In particular, in the examples described herein, none of the messages transmitted over the observation data link are able to exercise operational control over the MVA. For example, when the MVA is a printer, the observation data connection disclosed herein does not allow the corresponding external machine (e.g., the observation machine) to print activities (e.g.,
BE2017 / 5631 by sending print orders and / or changing a print setting), as opposed to the operation control connection.
FIG. 1 illustrates a system provided with an example MVA 100 assembled in accordance with the teachings of this description. The example MVA 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a printer. Although, as described above, the teachings of this described are applicable to any device capable of performing one or more activities and transmitting data related to one or more characteristics of the device.
The MVA 100 example of FIG. 1 is provided with a control system 102 that is configured to control components of the MVA 100. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the control system 102 is designed as a logic circuit (for example, one or more processors, microprocessor (s), coprocessor (s) and / or integrated circuit (s) (for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), or an FPGA The exemplary control system 102 implements a print activity controller 104 that is configured to perform printing functions performed by print hardware 106. In the example of FIG. 1, the print hardware 106 is provided with a motor 108 to support the media by driving the MVA, a printhead 110 to generate license plates on the media, and stock sensors 112 to sense a position, a status, and / or a quantity of consumables (e.g., media and / or an ink ribbon) of the MVA.
The exemplary print activity controller 104 of FIG. 1 receives data representative of print jobs (e.g., print jobs) from memory 114 (e.g., volatile and / or non-volatile memory that can be either fixed or removable) and / or an external data source (e.g., a host device, a host system, a network device, or a removable memory device). In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the print controller 104 processes the received data such that the
BE2017 / 5631 data can be used for the printhead 110 to generate license plates on media driven by the motor 108 over the printhead 110. For example, the print activity controller 104 uses a print engine to generate print data lines (e.g., directly or based on a bitmap image) based on the received data. In the example of FIG. 1, the print activity controller 104 transmits the print data lines (or any other data type usable to print license plates on media) and control signals (e.g., a latch signal and a flash signal) to a printhead driver configured to perform one or more activities of the printhead 110 driving. The printhead controller translates the print data lines and control signals into physical activities (e.g., application of heat by selecting heating elements) of the printhead 110 that generate the license plates on the media according to the received data.
In the illustrated example, the print activity control 104 manages print settings 116 stored in the memory 114. In particular, the example print activity control 104 updates and / or modifies the print settings 116 in a different way according to, for example, usage input and / or in another way instructions received in the MVA (for example, from an external machine as described below). Additionally, the example print activity control 104 refers to the print settings 116 when the print activity control 104 executes instructions related to the print hardware 106. That is, the exemplary pin activity controller 104 of FIG. 1 controls activities of the print hardware 106 according to the print settings 116. For example, the print settings 116 of FIG. 1 are provided with one or more speeds for the motor 108, one or more electrical input values for the printhead 110, and / or one or more recording speeds for the supply sensor 112. Similarly, the example sets print activity control 104 of FIG. 1
BE2017 / 5631 a user of the MVA 100 itself and / or an external machine (for example, a remote server) capable of controlling printing activities (for example, print jobs and / or print setting values) of the MVA 100.
In some examples, access to the example print activity controller 104 and, thus, control over the print hardware 106 is provided to an external machine (e.g., a print server) through an operation control link between the MVA 100 and the external machine. In some examples, the operation control connection providing access to print activity control 104 is performed by a persistent duplex connection such as a WebSocket. An exemplary embodiment of the operation control connection is described in detail below in relation to FIG. 4.
The exemplary operating system 102 of FIG. 1 implements a display 118 configured to collect and transmit observation data related to the MVA 100 in accordance with the teachings of this description. The example display 118 of FIG. 1 collects observation data in accordance with a display configuration file 120. The exemplary display configuration file 120 of FIG. 1 is implemented, for example, as an .INI file stored in the memory 114 of the MVA 100. The exemplary display configuration file 120 of FIG. 1 determines which data is to be collected by the display 118. For example, the display configuration file 120 may cause the display 118 to collect data indicative of an amount of unused media or amount of unused ink ribbon remaining in the MVA 100. Additionally or alternatively, the example display configuration file 120 may cause the display 118 to collect data indicative of electrical property (s)
BE2017 / 5631 of printhead heater elements 110. Additionally or alternatively, the example display configuration file 120 may cause the display 118 to collect data indicative of an average print speed (e.g., in inches per second (ips)) at which the MVA 100 license plates on media. Additionally or alternatively, the exemplary display configuration file 120 may cause the display 118 to collect data indicative of a power source status or data indicative of power consumption of the MVA 100. Additionally or alternatively, the exemplary display configuration file 120 may display the display 118 to collect data indicative of a particular print job being executed and a time stamp indicative of when the print job was performed. Additionally or alternatively, the example display configuration file 120 may cause the display 118 to collect data indicative of a change made to the MVA such as, for example, one of the print settings 116. In particular, different types of entities may be interested in different types of observation data and the display configuration file 120 can thus be configured differently by different entities. Accordingly, the example display 118 of FIG. 1 collect different observation data related to the MVA 100 for different entities.
The exemplary display configuration file 120 of FIG. 1 determines intervals at which the defined data must be collected and / or passed on. For example, the display configuration file 120 may cause the display 118 to collect any type of sensing data every two (2) minutes or every five (5) minutes. Additionally or alternatively, the example display configuration file 120 may cause the display 118 to display a first type of observation data (e.g., an amount of media remaining in the MVA) every one (1)
BE2017 / 5631 minute and a second type of observation data (for example, average motor speed) to collect every two (2) minutes.
In some examples, the MVA is provided with impediments or restrictions in the collection and / or transfer of observation data. For example, the MVA 100 of FIG. 1 may prevent the transmission of the observation data collected by the display 118 when communication bandwidth is reserved for a prioritized matter, such as receiving a print job. Additionally or alternatively, the example MVA 100 may cause the display 118 to stop the collection and transmission of observation data in response to a security alarm. The MVA 100 example of FIG. 1 is provided with an opt-out option that enables an entity related to the MVA 100 to turn off the collection and transmission of observation data performed by the example display 118.
In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the display configuration file 120 is initially configured by, for example, a manufacturer of the MVA 100. The exemplary display configuration file 120 of FIG. 1 is initially configured with a location determiner (e.g., an electronic address) of an external machine to which the observation data is to be passed. In some examples, the display configuration file 120 prompts the display 118 to begin collecting and passing on observation data in response to turning on the MVA 100 and the opt-out option that indicates that a user has not opted-out. Additionally, in response to the user switching on and not opting out, the display 118 sends a discovery packet to, for example, an external machine (e.g., a printer observation server) to which the observation data is passed. In the illustrated example, the discovery package is indicative of a version of the display configuration file 120. In
BE2017 / 5631 In some examples, the display configuration file 120 may be updated by, for example, the external machine receiving the discovery package. For example, the external machine may determine that the current version of the display configuration file 120 must be updated (for example, if a user related to the external machine requires alternative viewing data than that provided by the current display configuration file 120) and the external machine transmits a new or updated version to the MVA 100 for use as the display configuration file 120. If the new or updated version of the display configuration file 120 is authentic (e.g., as indicated by a verified signature), replace or update the example display of FIG. 1 the display configuration file 120.
In the example of FIG. 1, the display 118 transmits the collected observation data to one or more external machines via an observation data connection between the MVA 100 and the external machine (s). In some examples, the observation data connection employed by the example display 118 is implemented as a persistent duplex connection such as a WebSocket. In some examples, the observation data connection employed by the example display 118 is a separate and separate connection from the operation control connection that provides access to the print activity control 102. In particular, in some examples, the observation data collected by the display 118 is not relayable via the operation control connection and the print activity control 102 is not accessible via the observation data connection. An exemplary embodiment of the display 118 and the corresponding sense connection is described in detail in relation to FIG. 4.
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FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the MVA 100 of FIG. 1. The MVA example of FIG. 2 is an autonomous component. However, the teachings of this description can be applied in integrated MVAs such as, for example, a scanner, an ATM (automatic counter machine), a kiosk, or a point-of-sale device. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2 uses the MVA 100 thermal printing technology (for example, direct thermal printing technology, thermal transfer printing technology and / or dyesublimation thermal printing technology) to generate license plates on media. The MVA 100 of FIG. 2 can be, for example, a thermal label printer. However, the teachings of this description can be applied in combination with any suitable printing technology.
The MVA 100 example of FIG. 2 is provided with a housing 202 provided with a door 204. As shown in FIG. 2, the door 204 is in a closed, operational position excluding access to internal components. In addition to preventing the ingress of dirt, dust, and foreign objects into an internal cavity of the MVA 100 and possibly contaminating consumer goods and electronics, the door 204 can also reduce noise and prevent accidental contact of sensitive components. The exemplary door 204 of FIG. 2 is hinged to a frame of the MVA 100 via hinges 206 so that the door 204 can be opened to provide access to the internal components of the MVA 100. As described below in relation to FIG. 3, the frame is provided with a chassis on which some parts of the MVA 100 are mounted. For example as described below in relation to FIG. 3, generates a printing mechanism mounted on the chassis license plates on media fed to the printing mechanism by components mounted on the chassis. The printing mechanism outputs the media at an exit 208 located along a front side 210 of the housing 202.
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FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a portion of the example MVA 100 of FIG. 2 with the door 204 removed. A view similar to that of FIG. 3 is available when the door 204 is opened. As shown in FIG. 3, a chassis 300 supports internal components including a media spool (not shown), a plurality of guide elements (e.g., rollers that guide media and / or ribbon), a ribbon supply spool 302, a ribbon take-up spool 304, a transfer sensor 306, a clamping table assembly 308 , and a printing mechanism 310. In the shown example of FIG. 3, the printing mechanism 310 is provided with a support structure 312 and removable covers 314 and 316 which shield the printing mechanism 310. The media spool (not shown) is configured to hold a spool of media that is fed to the printing mechanism 310 and out of the output 208.
The exemplary printing mechanism 310 is provided with the printhead 110 of FIG. 1. The exemplary printhead 110 has a plurality of heating elements referred to as dots. The dots of the printhead 110 are controlled by the printhead controller, which is implemented through a logic circuit in connection with the dots. For example, the printhead driver is implemented as a programmable gate array or by a processor capable of executing computer readable instructions stored in memory. In accordance with data control signals received from the print controller 104, the printhead driver selectively activates the dots of the printhead 110 to effect a change in appearance of the media that is passed through the motor over the printhead 110. The points of the exemplary printhead 110 of FIG. 1 are arranged linearly. Based on the content to be printed, different points can be turned on or off for a given line. For example, if an uninterrupted line is to be printed across the media, then all points of the printhead 110 are turned on to print that line as an unbroken line of dot images. Activating
BE2017 / 5631 the printhead points is called the flashing (strobing) of the points and the time required for flashing the points is called flashing time. Each line of a given print job can be printed by moving the media (e.g., via the motor 108) relative to the printhead 110 and adjusting which points are turned on and which points are turned off. The speed at which the media is printed is often measured in “ips” which can be related to line flash times required for printing individual lines in a print job. A "point state" refers to whether or not the corresponding point is activated. A point state of "on" or "1" indicates that the corresponding point must be activated, while a put state of "off" or "0" indicates that the corresponding point should not be activated. The dots of the printhead 110 are flashed in accordance with control signals received from the print controller 104.
When the MVA 100 of FIG. 3 is configured for thermal transfer printing, thermal transfer media is mounted on the media spool and an ink ribbon is mounted on the ribbon supply spool 302. That is, the ribbon supply spool 302 is configured to hold a spool of unused ribbon. The ink ribbon is fed from the ribbon supply spool 302 to the printing mechanism 310, which uses the ink ribbon to generate marks on the media of the media spool, which are simultaneously fed to the printing mechanism. Used ribbon passes through the printing mechanism 310 and is fed to the ribbon take-up reel 304. That is, the ribbon take-up spool 304 is configured to hold a spool of used ribbon. The exemplary printing mechanism 310 of FIG. 3, via the printhead 110 of FIG. 1, generates marks on the media at a notch formed by a roller of the clamping table assembly 308 and the printhead 110. In particular, the printing mechanism 310 selectively activates, via the printhead controller, heating elements (e.g., points) of the printhead 100 to apply heat must conform to the ink ribbon
BE2017 / 5631 with, for example, received print line data. At points on the thermal transfer media adjacent, activated heating elements of the print head 110, ink is transferred from the ink ribbon to the thermal transfer media, generating license plates on the media representative of the print line data. Depending on the media type, a threshold number of joules per square inch or Watt * seconds per square inch is required for the ribbon ink to be transferred to the media.
When the MVA is configured for direct thermal printing, direct thermal media (e.g., labels provided with heat-sensitive paint (paints)) are mounted on the media spool (not shown). Direct thermal print media (e.g., thermochromic paper) is designed and produced such that when a threshold amount of energy is applied to the media, a chemical reaction occurs in the media that causes a change in appearance (e.g., a change in color from white to black). In the example of FIG. 3, the direct thermal media is fed from the media spool to the printing mechanism 310. In such cases, the direct thermal media is not accompanied by an ink ribbon by the printing mechanism 310. Instead, in direct thermal mode, the printhead 110 selectively applies heat directly to the direct thermal media that is passed over the printhead 110, thereby effecting a change in the appearance of the media at selective positions on the direct thermal media. Depending on the media type, a threshold number of joules per square inch or Watt * seconds per square inch is required for a chemical reaction to take place in the direct thermal media to thereby cause a change in the appearance of one or more portions of the media bring about.
FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the MVA 100 of FIG. 1 in connection with an exemplary embodiment of a printer observation server
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400 compiled in accordance with the teachings of this description. Although the example of FIG. 4 is provided with a printer observation server 400, the teachings of this description can be performed to place the example MVA 100 in a secure connection with any suitable type of external device.
In the example of FIG. 4 is a first permanent connection established between the MVA 100 and a print operation server 401. The exemplary first permanent connection of FIG. 4 is referred to herein as an operation control connection 402. In the example of FIG. 4, the operation control connection 402 is implemented as a respective WebSocket that is set via an authentication process. To perform the authentication process, a server authenticator 404 of the example MVA cooperates with an endpoint device authenticator 406 of the print operation server 401. Specifically, when the MVA 100 is connected to a network and turned on, the server authenticator 404 sends a connection request to the print operation server 401 using data exchange protocols or query-response protocols such as HTTP or HTTPS requests (for example, over TCP port 80 or 443). In some examples, one or more external devices (e.g., remote servers) are identified by using determined variables or settings stored in memory 114 of the MVA 100. The connection request indicates to the print operation server 401 that the MVA 100 wants to use. from TLS (Transport Layer Security) or SSL (Secure Socket Layer) to provide a secure connection between the MVA 100 and the print server 401. In the example shown, the connection request further indicates that the connection must be updated to a WebSocket connection, which is provided with one or more bi-directional, permanent connection channels. Such a connection request is recognized or treated as a standard web browser server request, such as a connection between a web browser and a
BE2017 / 5631 website. The endpoint endpoint device authenticator 406 indicates whether or not a connection request is accepted by the print operation server 401.
If the endpoint device authenticator 406 indicates that the connection request is being rejected, an error message is generated by the MVA 100. If the endpoint device authenticator 406 accepts the connection request, the endpoint device authenticator 406 sends a security certificate and connection parameters to the MVA 100. In some examples, the security certificate is only valid if the security certificate is signed by a designated certificate authority (CA), such as a manufacturer of the MVA 100. The designated CA signed certificate is used to ensure that the MVA 100 only connects to trusted and approved external devices. The server authenticator 404 judges the received certificate. For example, the server authenticator 404 analyzes data in the security certificate to ensure that the MVA 100 is connecting to the expected external device, for example, by verifying whether the DNS name in the certificate matches the URL used for the connection request to send. In some examples, the server authenticator 404 further evaluates the security certificate to ensure that the security certificate has been signed by the expected CA, such as the producer of the MVA 100.
If the server authenticator 404 does not accept the security certificate received from the print operation server 401, the MVA 100 generates an error message. If the server authenticator 404 accepts the security certificate 404 received from the print service server 400, the server authenticator 404 sends a security certificate stored in the MVA 100 to the print service server 404 to provide authentication to the print service server 401. The
BE2017 / 5631 endpoint device authenticator 406 evaluates the security certificate received from the MVA 100 to ensure that the security certificate is signed by the expected CA and that the MVA 100 is one of the MVAs to which the print operation server 401 connects (e.g., a certain type) from an MVA, an MVA from a certain producer, or an MVA sitting in a certain network).
If the endpoint device authenticator 406 accepts the security certificate received from the MVA 100, the operation control connection 402 of FIG. 4 established by, for example, the print operation server 401 which upgrades the connection to the WebSocket protocol. With the secure, persistent operation control connection 402 in place, the MVA 100 and the print operation server 401 are capable of sending data to each other using, for example, JSON and / or SGD.
In some examples, the MVA 100 and the print operation server 401 establish multiple different connection channels via the operation operation connection 402. In the shown example of FIG. 4, a first connection channel 408 is set via the operation connection channel 402 and the first connection channel 408 is for exchanging data according to the print settings 116 of the MVA 100. As described above, the print activity control 102 of the MVA 100 makes external access to the print settings 116 possible. In the example of FIG. 4, the print operation server 401 is provided with a print activity instructor 410 which uses the first connection channel 408 to instruct the print activity control 102 to, for example, change the print settings 116. In particular, in the example of FIG. 4 limits the first connection channel 408 to the data type that enables the print activity instructor to print settings 116 through the
BE2017 / 5631 print activity controller 102. As such, the first connection channel 408 of FIG. 4 herein are referred to as a print settings channel.
In the shown example of FIG. 4, a second data channel 412 is set via the operation control connection 402 and the second data channel 412 is for print jobs sent by the print operation server 401 to the MVA 100. As described above, the print activity control 102 of the MVA 100 makes external access to one or more functions of the 106 print hardware possible. In the example of FIG. 4, the print activity instructor 410 uses the second data channel 412 to instruct the print activity controller 102 to perform, for example, one or more print functions (e.g., performing a print job) via the print hardware 106. In particular, the example of FIG . 4 limits the second data channel 412 to the data type that enables the print operation server 401 to control the printing activities of the MVA 100. As such, the second data channel 412 of FIG. 4 herein are referred to as a print operation channel.
In the shown example of FIG. 4 is a second permanent connection, referred to herein as an observation data connection 414, set between the MVA 100 and the print observation server 400. In the example of FIG. 4, the observation data connection 414 is separate and independent of the operation control connection 402. In the example of FIG. 4, the observation data connection 414 is implemented as a WebSocket set via an authentication process. Accordingly, the exemplary operational operation connection 402 of FIG. 4 performed by a first WebSocket and is the exemplary observation data connection 414 of FIG. 4 implemented as a second WebSocket different and independent of the first WebSocket. Alternatively, the operation control connection 402 is implemented by a type of
BE2017 / 5631 permanent connection and the observation data connection 414 is designed as a different, different type of permanent connection.
In the exemplified example, the observation data connection 414 is authenticated by the authentication process described above as executed by the server authenticator 404 and the endpoint device authenticator 406 of the print service server 401. However, in the illustrated example, the print sensing server 400 is provided with an endpoint device authenticator 415 that authenticates the MVA 100 on similarly to the endpoint device authenticator 406 of the print operation server 401. In some examples, the operation operation connection 402 is authenticated via a first session of the authentication process and the observation data connection 414 is authenticated via a second, different session of the authentication process. Alternatively, the observation data connection 414 and the operation operation connection 402 may each have a different authentication process.
In the example of FIG. 4, the display 118 uses the observation data link 414 to pass data indicative of, for example, one or more states and / or performance of the MVA 100 to an observer 416 of the printer observation server 400. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, the observation data connection 414 is provided with a connection channel 418 which is intended for the observation data supplied from the display 118 to the observer 416. In particular, the observation data connection 414 is prevented from passing on data that is capable of controlling the MVA 100 or modifying any activity of the MVA 100. For example, the sensing data connection 414 is prevented from passing on data that controls a print activity (e.g., a print job or a print setting change) of the MVA 100. The observation data connection 414 and the data channel 418 thereof are, on the contrary, limited in passing on the
BE2017 / 5631 observation data supplied from the display 118 to an observer 416, which cannot influence or control any printing activity of the MVA 100. In other words, the display 118 and the observer 416 are inactive or passive components with respect to printing activities and printing functionality of the MVA 100, while the printing activity instructor 410, the printing activity controller 102 and any other component that transmits data via the operation control link 402 are active elements compared to printing activities and printing functionality of the MVA 100.
In the shown example of FIG. 4, the display 118 is provided with a file reader 420 to determine the contents of the display configuration file 120. The exemplary display configuration file 120 of FIG. 1 is initially configured by a manufacturer to be provided with the type of the observation data to be collected and transmitted, the interval (s) at which the observation data is to be collected and transmitted, a signature to send to the printer observation server 400 in combination with the sensing data, and a determiner (e.g. address) of the printer sensing server 400 so that the sensing data is routed to the printer sensing server 400 when the MVA is turned on. The exemplary file reader 420 of FIG. 4 obtains the corresponding value from the display configuration file 120.
The example display 118 of FIG. 4 is provided with a data provider 422 which uses values to be obtained from the display configuration file 120 to collect and store the correct data at the correct intervals. Additionally, the data provider 422 passes the collected and stored observation data to the observer 416 via the observation data connection 414 in accordance with the contents of the display configuration file 120. In some examples, the data provider 422 appends the
BE2017 / 5631 signature to the observation data so that the observer 416 can determine the authenticity of the received observation data.
In some examples, prior to passing the observation data to the observer 416, the data provider 422 determines whether one or more prohibition conditions are present on the MVA 100. An exemplary prohibition condition is that the MVA 100 is currently receiving and / or processing printing instructions that are prioritized over the observation data messages to be communicated via the observation data connection 414. Another exemplary prohibition condition is that the MVA 100 transmits an amount of observation data that exceeds a threshold and / or that the MVA 100 transmits the observation data at a speed that exceeds a threshold. If the data provider 422 determines that at least one prohibition condition exists, the data provider 422 ceases to pass on the observation data until non-prohibition conditions are present. In some examples, the prohibition conditions are defined in a portion of the memory 114 of the MVA 100.
The exemplary display 118 of FIG. 4 includes a file update which updates, replaces, or otherwise modifies the display configuration file 120. In the example of FIG. 4 is a version indication of the display configuration file 120 provided to, for example, the observer 416. In particular, upon setting the observation data connection 414, the example file update sends a discovery packet to a discovery packet receiver 426 of the observer 416. The example file update 424 sent discovery packet informs the discovery packet receiver 426 about a current version of the display configuration file 120 of the MVA 100. In the example of FIG. 4, the discovery packet is transported from the MVA 100 to the discovery packet receiver 426 via the observation data link 414.
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The example observer 416 is provided with a display configuration file update 428 which, based on the received discovery package, determines whether the current version of the display configuration file 120 needs to be updated (e.g., modified or replaced). For example, one or more entities that receive information from the display 118 may require different viewing data and / or may require the viewing data at different intervals. If so, the display configuration file message 428 generates an update of the display configuration file 120 and / or a new version of the display configuration file 120 and outputs it to the MVA 100. In particular, the display configuration file message receives input from the one or more entities that have additional or alternative observation data and generates the update and / or new version of the display configuration file 120 based on the input received. In some examples, the update and / or new version of the display configuration file 120 is provided with a signature generated by the printer observation server 400.
The sample file update 242 of the MVA 100 receives the signed updated and / or new version of the display configuration file 120 and, if the corresponding signature is authentic, changes the contents of the display configuration file 120 and / or deletes the old version and saves the new version . In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, the file update 424 sends another discovery packet to the printer observation server 400 after changing the display configuration file 120 in accordance with the update received from the display configuration file update 428. The exemplary data provider 422 of FIG. 4 collects and passes on the observation data to the printer observation server 400
BE2017 / 5631 according to the updated and / or new display configuration file 120 via the observation data connection 414.
The example display 118 of FIG. 4 is provided with an optout provider 430 to enable an entity related to the MVA 100 to opt out of collecting and / or passing on observation data. For example, the opt-out provider 430 may display an option to a user via an interface so that the user is able to provide input indicative of a desire to deregister. Additionally or alternatively, the opt-out provider may receive an opt-out instruction via a network message
In the shown example of FIG. 4, the printer observation server 400 supplies the observation data collected via the observation data connection 414 to an analysis engine 432. The exemplary analysis engine 432 of FIG. 4 uses the observation data to generate, for example, one or more reports and / or alarms relating to one or more aspects of the MVA 100. While the example of FIG. 4 is provided with an analysis engine 432, additional or alternative entities can be provided with the observation data provided by the example display 118 of FIG. 4.
FIG. 5 is an exemplary message scheme associated with the example of FIG. 4. In the example of FIG. 5, upon setting up the observation data connection 414, the file update 424 of the MVA 100 sends the discovery package 500, which is an indication of the current version of the display configuration file 120, to the printer observation server 400. In the example of FIG. 5, the data provider 422 of the display 118 is initially configured, according to the display configuration file 120 as read by the file reader 420, to collect observation data 502 from one or more components of the MVA 100 and to view data 502
BE2017 / 5631 to the printer observation server 400. The exemplary printer observation server 400 sends a first message 504 provided with the observation data 502 and data related to the discovery packet 500 to the analysis engine 432. The analysis engine 432 generates a first report 506 brings the first report 506 transfer to one or more entities such as, for example, an owner of the MVA 100 who wants performance and / or status data related to the MVA 100.
In the example of FIG. 5, the display configuration file update 428 from the observer 416 determines that the display configuration file 120 is to be updated and sends a second message 508 which is provided with a new display configuration file 120 to the MVA 100. The file update 424 of the display 118 responds to replacing the current version of the display configuration file 120 with the new display configuration file 120. In the example shown, the file update 424 replaces the current version of the display configuration file 120 with the received, new version, received in the second message 508.
The sample file update 424 sends another discovery packet 510 to the printer observation server 400 that is indicative of a new version of the display configuration file 120. The sample file reader 420 reads the new display configuration file 120 to determine which observation data is to be collected and at which intervals the observation data is to be collected collected. The data provider 422 collects and transmits the observation data 512 in accordance with the findings of the file reader 420. As such, the observation data 502 is collected and passed to the printer observation server 400 in accordance with a version of the display configuration file 120, and the observation data becomes 512
BE2017 / 5631 collected and passed to the printer observation server 400 in accordance with another version of the display configuration file 120.
In particular, the discovery packets 500 and 510, the observation data 502, the message 508 provided with the new version of the display configuration file 120, and the observation data 512 are transmitted via the observation data connection 414. As described above, the example observation data connection 414 of FIG. 4 prevented from passing on any other data type, such as data that is an activity of the print hardware 106 of FIG. 1 driving.
In the example of FIG. 5, the printer observation server 400 sends the analysis engine 432 a third message 514 which is provided with the observation data 512 collected in accordance with the new version of the display configuration file 120 and with information about the discovery packet 510. The analysis engine 432 generates a report 516 based on the third message 514 and passes on the report 516 to, for example, an entity that has supplied the new version of the display configuration file 120.
In the example of FIG. 5, the print activity instructor 410 of the print service server 400 sends a setting command 518 to the MVA 100 which is provided with a change of the print settings 116. Alternatively, the example print activity instructor 410 may send a print command to the MVA 100 which causes the print hardware 104 to send one or perform more printing functions. In the example of FIG. 5, the print activity controller 102 changes the print settings 116 in accordance with the received setting command 518. Further, the example print activity controller 102 prints according to the changed print settings 116. As such, the print activity instructor 410 controls a print activity of the MVA 100. In the example of FIG. 5
BE2017 / 5631, the MVA 100, the print operation server 400, a receipt confirmation message 520 indicating that the change of the print settings 116 has been completed.
In particular, the setting command 518 and the acknowledgment of receipt 520 are relayed through the operation control connection 402. As described above, in some examples, the operation control connection 402 is prevented from transmitting observation data collected and relayed through the display 118 via the observation data connection 414.
FIG. 6 is a steam diagram showing an exemplary method performed by the example display 118 and / or, more generally, the example MVA 100 of FIGS. 1 and 4. In the example of FIG. 6, the MPD 100 is switched on (block 600). In the example of FIG. 6, the display 118 determines whether the opt-out provider is used to make collection and / or transmission of observation data (block 602) impossible. If so, the example display 118 periodically determines whether the opt-out option is no longer selected (block 604) and, if so, the control proceeds to block 606.
If the opt-out option is not selected or if the opout option is not selected, the file update 424 of the display 118 transfers a discovery packet to the printer observation station 400 (block 606). In the example shown, the discovery package is indicative of a version of the display configuration file 120 currently stored in the MVA 100. As described below, the printer observation server 400 may send an instruction to replace or otherwise modify the display configuration file 120. For example, the printer observation server 400 may determine that the current version of the display configuration file 120, as indicated by the transferred discovery package, must be adjusted so that it
BE2017 / 5631 display 118 collects and transmits data associated with (an) other aspect (s) of the MVA 100.
The file reader 420 of the display 118 reads the contents of the display configuration file 120 to determine, for example, which type of observation data is to be collected and in which interval the observation data is to be collected (block 608). The exemplary file reader 420 provides the result to the data provider 422, which collects the recognized observation data (block 610). The exemplary data provider 422 determines whether the reporting time interval determined in the display configuration file 120 has elapsed (e.g., since the last transmission of observation data) (block 612). If the time interval has not elapsed, the data provider 422 continues to collect sensing data (block 610).
If the time interval has elapsed, the data provider 422 determines whether any prohibition conditions (for example, an insufficiently available message bandwidth or an amount of observation data to be transmitted that exceeds a threshold) are present in the MVA 100 (block 614). If at least one prohibition condition is present (block 614), the data provider 422 continues to collect sensing data (the control proceeds to block 610). If no prohibition condition is present (block 614), the exemplary data provider 422 transfers the collected observation data to the printer observation server 400 via the observation data connection 414 (block 616).
In the example of FIG. 6, the file updateer determines whether the display configuration file update 428 has transferred an updated and / or new version of the display configuration file 120 to the file update 424. If the file update 424 receives such data and the data is verifiable authentic (618), then update, replace, or otherwise modify the file update 424
BE2017 / 5631 the display configuration file 120 (block 620). Control then proceeds to block 604.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram representative of an exemplary logic circuit that can be used to, for example, the example display 118 of Figures 1 and / or 4, the example server authenticator 404 of FIG. 4, the exemplary print activity controller 104 of Figures 1 and / or 4, the exemplary file reader 420 of FIG. 4, the exemplary data provider 422 of FIG. 4, the exemplary file update 424 of FIG. 4, the exemplary opt-out provider 430 of FIG. 4, or, more generally, the MVA 100 example of Figures 1 and / or 4. Additionally or alternatively, the exemplary logic circuit of FIG. 1 can be used to display the example observer 416 of FIG. 4, the exemplary print activity instructor 410 of FIG. 4, the exemplary endpoint device authenticator 406 of FIG. 4, the discovery packet receiver 426, the display configuration file update 428 of FIG. 4, and / or, more generally, the exemplary printer observation server 400 of FIG. 4, to execute. The exemplary logic circuit of FIG. 7 is a processor platform 700 capable of executing instructions, for example executing the exemplary instructions represented by the flow charts in the drawings accompanying this description. As described below, alternative logic circuits provided with hardware (e.g., a gate array) are specifically configured to perform activities shown in the flow charts of the drawings accompanying this description.
The exemplary processor platform 700 of FIG. 7 is provided with a processor 702 such as, for example, one or more microprocessors, controls, and / or any suitable type of processor. The exemplary processor platform 700 of FIG. 7 is provided with memory (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory) 704 accessible by the processor 702 (e.g., via
BE2017 / 5631 a memory controller). The exemplary processor 702 interacts with the memory 704 to obtain, for example, computer readable instructions stored in the memory 704 corresponding to, for example, the activities shown in the steam diagrams of this description. Additionally or alternatively, computer readable instructions corresponding to the exemplary activities of the flow charts can be stored in one or more removable media (e.g., a Compact Disc, a Digital Versatile Disc, removable flash memory, etc.) that can be linked to the processing platform 700 to provide access to the computer-readable instructions stored thereon.
The exemplary processing platform 700 of FIG. 7 is provided with a network interface 706 that allows communication with other machines via, for example, one or more networks. The exemplary network interface 706 is provided with any suitable type of communication interface (s) (e.g., wired and / or wireless interfaces) that are configured to operate in accordance with any suitable protocol (s).
The exemplary processor platform 700 of FIG. 7 is provided with input / output interfaces 708 to enable receipt of usage input and relaying of output data to the user.
The description above refers to block diagrams of the accompanying drawings. Alternative embodiments of the examples represented by the block diagrams include one or more added or alternative components, processes, and / or devices. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the example blocks of the diagrams may be combined, divided, redistributed or omitted. Components represented by the blocks of the diagrams are performed by hardware, software, firmware, and / or any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. In some examples, at least one of the components shown in the blocks is embodied as one
BE2017 / 5631 logic circuit. As used herein, the term "logic circuit" is expressly defined as a physical device that has at least one hardware component that is set (e.g., through operation in accordance with a predetermined setting and / or through execution of stored computer-readable instructions) to control one or more machines and / or perform activities on one or more machines. Examples of a logic circuit include one or more processors, one or more coprocessors, one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more (application-specific integrated circuits ASICs), one or more fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more hardware accelerators, one or more special-purpose computer chips, and one or more system-on-a-chip devices (Soc). Some exemplary logic circuits, such as ASICs or FPGAs, are specifically configured hardware for performing activities (for example, one or more of the activity weather data in the flow charts of this description). Some exemplary logic circuits are hardware that execute computer readable instructions to perform activities (e.g., one or more of the activities shown in the flow charts of this description). Some exemplary logic circuits include a combination of specifically configured hardware and hardware that execute computer-readable instructions.
The description above refers to flow charts of the accompanying drawings. The flow charts are representative of exemplary methods described herein. In some examples, the method shown in the flow chart outputs the device shown in the block diagrams. Alternative embodiments of exemplary methods described herein may be provided with additional or alternative operations. Furthermore, operations of alternative embodiments of the methods described herein may become
BE2017 / 5631 combined, divided, redistributed or omitted. In some examples, the activities are represented by the flow charts executed by computer-readable instructions (e.g., software and / or firmware) stored on a medium (e.g., a computer program product) for execution by one or more logic circuits (e.g., processor ( and)). In some examples, the activities are represented by the flow charts performed by one or more configurations of one or more specifically designed logic circuits (e.g., ASIC (s)). In some examples, the activities of the flow diagrams are performed by a combination of specific design logic circuit (s) and computer readable instructions stored on a medium (e.g., a computer program product) for execution by (a) logic circuit (s).
Each of the terms "computer program product", "fixed data carrier" and "computer-readable storage device" as used herein is expressly defined as storage medium (e.g., a disc or an HDD (hard disk drive), a DVD (digital versatile disc), a CD (compact disk), flash memory, ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), etc) on which computer-readable instructions (for example, program code in the form of, for example, software and / or firmware) can be stored. Furthermore, each of the terms "computer program product", "fixed data carrier" and "computer-readable storage device" used herein is expressly defined to exclude moving signals. That is, as used in any claim of this patent, none of the terms "computer program product", "fixed data carrier" and "computer-readable storage device" can be interpreted as executed by a moving signal.
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As used herein, each of the terms "computer program product", "fixed data carrier" and "computer-readable storage device" are expressly defined as a storage medium on which computer-readable instructions are stored for each period of time used (e.g., permanently, for an extended period of time (e.g., while a program related to the computer-readable instructions is executed) and / or a shorter period of time (for example, while the computer-readable instructions are being cached and / or during a buffer process)).
Although certain exemplary devices, methods, and manufacturing products are described herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all devices, methods, and manufacturing products that are reasonably within the scope of the claims of this patent. For the purpose of clarity and concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or different embodiments, although it will be understood that the scope of the invention may include embodiments that have combinations of all or some of the features described. It will be clear that the embodiments shown have the same or identical parts, except where they are described as being different.
In the claims, all reference numbers placed in brackets will not be construed as limiting. The word "includes" does not exclude the presence of other features or steps that are not included in the claim. Furthermore, the word "one" will not be construed as limiting to "only one", but will instead be used to mean "at least one" and not exclude a multiple. The mere fact that certain measures are cited in different claims gives no indication that a combination of these measures cannot be used to achieve an advantage. Many variants will
BE2017 / 5631 are clear to the skilled person. All variants are understood to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

权利要求:
Claims (46)
[1]
CONCLUSIONS
A media processing apparatus seated in a network, the media processing apparatus comprising:
- a display configured to:
collect observation data related to the media processing apparatus in accordance with a configuration file stored in the media processing apparatus; and passing the sensing data to a first device outside the network via a first permanent connection between the media processing device and the first external device; and
- a controller configured to:
receive an operational instruction from a second external device via a second permanent connection between the media processing device and the second external device wherein:
the second permanent connection is independent of the first permanent connection; and the second permanent connection has a first channel and second channel; and executing the operational instruction in the media processing apparatus, wherein the operational instruction controls media processing hardware of the media processing apparatus, and wherein the display and / or the control is implemented via a logic circuit.
[2]
The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first permanent connection is a first WebSocket provided with one channel, and the second permanent connection is a second WebSocket provided with two or more channels.
[3]
The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an authenticator for setting the first persistent
BE2017 / 5631 connection via a first authentication session, and for setting the second permanent connection via a second authentication session.
[4]
A media processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first permanent connection is prevented from passing on data capable of controlling the media processing hardware.
[5]
The media processing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display is configured to transmit the observation data in accordance with an interval as determined in the configuration file.
[6]
A media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display is configured to communicate, via the first permanent connection, an indication of a version of the configuration file to the first external device.
[7]
A media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display is configured to change the configuration file, in response to receiving an update from the first external device via the first permanent connection.
[8]
A media processing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display is configured to provide an opt-out option for turning off the collection of the sensing data.
[9]
The media processing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the observation data is of a data type that is unable to control the operation of the media processing hardware.
[10]
Media processing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display determines whether a prohibition condition is present before transmitting the observation data via the first permanent connection.
BE2017 / 5631
[11]
A media processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operational instruction is a print command and the media processing hardware is provided with a print head.
[12]
A media processing apparatus according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the operational instruction is a change of a print setting, and the media processing hardware is controlled by the print setting.
[13]
A method for use in a media processing apparatus seated in a network, the method comprising:
collecting, via a logic circuit of the media processing apparatus, observation data related to the media processing apparatus in accordance with a configuration file stored in the media processing apparatus;
passing, via the logic circuit, the sensing data to a first device outside the network, via a first permanent connection between the media processing device and the first external device; and, in response to receiving operational instructions from a second external device via a second permanent connection between the media processing device and the second external device, executing the operational instructions in the media processing device, wherein: the second permanent connection is independent of the first permanent connection;
the second permanent connection has a first channel and a second channel; and controls the media handling hardware operational instruction of the media processing device.
[14]
The method of claim 13, wherein the first persistent connection is a first WebSocket that is provided with one channel, and the
BE2017 / 5631 second permanent connection is a second WebSocket which is provided with two or more channels.
[15]
The method of claim 13 or 14, further comprising setting the first permanent connection via a first authentication session, and setting the second permanent connection via a second authentication session.
[16]
A method according to any of claims 13-15, wherein the first permanent connection is prevented from passing on data capable of controlling the media processing hardware.
[17]
The method of any one of claims 13-16, wherein transmitting the sensing data comprises transmitting the sensing data in accordance with an interval as determined in the configuration file.
[18]
The method of any one of claims 13-17, further comprising communicating an indication of a version of the configuration file to the first external device via the first permanent connection.
[19]
The method of any one of the preceding claims 13-18, further comprising modifying the configuration file in response to receiving an update from the first external device via the first persistent connection.
[20]
A method according to any of claims 13-19, further comprising providing an opt-out option for turning off the collection of the observation data.
[21]
The method of any one of claims 13-20, wherein the observation data is of a data type that is unable to control the operation of the media processing hardware.
[22]
The method of any one of claims 13 to 21, further comprising determining whether a prohibition condition is present before transmitting the observation data via the first permanent connection.
BE2017 / 5631
[23]
The method of any one of claims 13-22, wherein the operational instruction is a print command and the media processing hardware is provided with a printhead.
[24]
The method of any one of claims 13-22, wherein the operational instruction is a change of a print setting, and the media processing hardware is controlled by the print setting.
[25]
A computer program product comprising computer readable instructions which, when executed, cause the computer to at least:
collects observation data related to a media processing apparatus in accordance with a configuration file stored in the media processing apparatus;
transmits the observation data to a first device outside the network via a first permanent connection between the media processing device and the first external device;
receives an operational instruction from a second external device via a second permanent connection between the media processing device and the second external device, the second permanent connection being independent of the first permanent connection, and the second permanent connection having a first and a second channel; and executes the operational instruction in the media processing apparatus, wherein the operational instruction controls media processing hardware of the media processing apparatus.
[26]
A server seated in a first network comprising an observer configured to:
receive observation data from a media processing apparatus seated in a second network via a first permanent connection between the media processing apparatus and the server; and
BE2017 / 5631 providing the media processing apparatus with a configuration file via the first permanent connection that determines the type of observation data to be collected by the media processing apparatus, preventing the observer from passing an operational instruction to the media processing apparatus and the operational instruction media processing hardware of the media processing apparatus media processing device.
[27]
The server of claim 26, wherein the observer is configured to receive, via a first permanent connection, a discovery packet from the media processing apparatus, the discovery packet being provided with an indication of a current version of the configuration file stored in the media processing apparatus.
[28]
The server of claim 26 or 27, wherein the first persistent connection is a first WebSocket provided with one channel, and the media processing device is in contact with another server via a second persistent connection through which the operational instruction is permitted, and the second permanent connection is a second WebSocket that is provided with one or more channels.
[29]
The server of any one of claims 26-28, further comprising an authenticator for setting the first permanent connection via an authentication session.
[30]
The server of any one of claims 26-29, wherein the first permanent connection is prevented from passing on data capable of controlling the media processing hardware.
[31]
The server of any one of claims 26-30, wherein the configuration file defines an interval at which the media processing device passes on the sensing data.
[32]
The server of any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein the observation data is of a data type that is unable to control the operation of the media processing hardware.
BE2017 / 5631
[33]
The server of any one of claims 26-32, wherein the operational instruction is a print command and the media processing hardware is provided with a printhead.
[34]
The server of any one of claims 26-33, wherein the operational instruction is a change of a print setting, and the media processing hardware is controlled by the print setting.
[35]
A method of using a server seated in a first network, the method comprising:
storing observation data received from a media processing device seated in a second network via a first permanent connection between the media processing device and the server;
the media processing apparatus, via the first permanent connection, provided with a configuration file which determines the type of the observation data; and inhibiting the transmission of an operational instruction to the media processing apparatus via the first permanent connection, wherein the operational instruction controls media processing hardware of the media processing apparatus.
[36]
The method of claim 35, further comprising receiving, via the first permanent connection, a discovery packet from the media processing apparatus, wherein the discovery packet includes an indication of a current version of the configuration file stored in the media processing apparatus.
[37]
The method of claim 35 or 36, wherein the first persistent connection is a first WebSocket provided with one channel, and the media processing device is in contact with another server via a second persistent connection, and the second persistent connection is a second WebSocket which is provided with one or more channels.
[38]
The method of any one of claims 35-37, further comprising setting the first permanent connection via an authentication session.
BE2017 / 5631
[39]
The method of any one of claims 35-38, wherein the first permanent connection is prevented from transmitting data capable of controlling the media processing hardware.
[40]
The method of any one of claims 35-39, wherein the configuration file determines an interval at which the media processing apparatus passes on the sensing data.
[41]
The method of any one of claims 35 to 40, wherein the observation data is of a data type that is unable to control the operation of the media processing hardware.
[42]
The method of any one of claims 35 to 41, wherein the operational instruction is a print command and the media processing hardware is provided with a print head.
[43]
The method of any one of claims 35-42, wherein the operational instruction is a change of a print setting, and the media processing hardware is controlled by the print setting.
[44]
44. System comprising:
a media processing apparatus seated in a first network; a first server seated in a network other than the first network; and a second server seated in a network other than the first network, wherein the media processing device is configured to: collect observation data related to the media processing device in accordance with a configuration file stored in the media processing device, the observation data being of a data type that is not in is able to control the media processing operation; and
BE2017 / 5631 to transmit the observation data to the first server via a first permanent connection established between the media processing device and the first server;
wherein the first server is configured to provide the media processing device with a configuration file, the configuration file determining the sensing data collected by the media processing device;
wherein the second server is configured to provide the media processing apparatus with an operational instruction via a second permanent connection established between the second server and the media processing apparatus, the operational instruction controlling a media processing operation performed by hardware of the media processing apparatus;
wherein the first permanent connection is independent of the second permanent connection; and wherein the first permanent connection is prevented from transmitting data capable of controlling the media processing operation.
[45]
The media processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first channel is a print settings channel, and the second channel is a print control channel.
[46]
The method of claim 13, wherein the first channel is a print setting channel, and the second channel is a print control channel.

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CN109643220A|2019-04-16|

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GB2568412A|2019-05-15|

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DE112017004486T5|2019-06-19|

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WO2018048500A1|2018-03-15|

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GB2568412B|2021-12-01|

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US10764466B2|2020-09-01|

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BE1025196A1|2018-11-30|

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CA3030158A1|2018-03-15|

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法律状态:
2018-12-17| FG| Patent granted|Effective date: 20181207 |

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2019-05-02| PD| Change of ownership|Owner name: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION; US Free format text: DETAILS ASSIGNMENT: CHANGE OF OWNER(S), FUSION; FORMER OWNER NAME: ZIH CORP. Effective date: 20190225 |

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