Centralized Setting Management for Multi-Model Peripherals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack an efficient method for managing and editing setting values for multi-function peripherals, as they require frequent updates and storage of varying specifications across different models and firmware versions, leading to inefficient storage capacity and maintenance challenges.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that stores configuration information with specification details, obtains necessary specification information from an external storage device when needed, and transmits settings information to the peripherals, enabling centralized management and editing of settings values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If setting value specifications for multiple models and firmware versions are consolidated and managed on a server, then centralized management and real-time synchronization are achieved, but storage capacity is excessively consumed and storage-less configuration becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized management capabilityVSAvoidstorage capacity consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the setting value management system into two parts: the server stores only management logic and client identification information, while the actual setting value specifications are stored locally in the storage unit of each information processing apparatus. This segmentation eliminates the need for the server to store all specification data, resolving the storage capacity problem while maintaining centralized management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a storage unit as an intermediary component within each information processing apparatus that caches setting value specifications locally. This intermediary allows the server to manage settings centrally without needing to store all specification data, as the storage unit mediates between the server's management functions and the actual specification data storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If setting value specifications are obtained and stored for each client model and version, then editing applications can be created that consider specification variations, but maintenance becomes required each time new models or versions are launched

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecification coverageVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic system where the storage unit in each information processing apparatus automatically updates setting value specifications when new models or firmware versions are detected. The server transmits updated specifications as needed, eliminating the need for manual maintenance interventions while ensuring the system adapts to new clients dynamically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the server receives information about new client models and firmware versions, automatically obtains updated setting value specifications, and transmits them to the appropriate information processing apparatuses. This feedback loop ensures the system remains up-to-date without requiring manual maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If all setting value specifications are stored on the server, then complete specification data is available for editing, but the amount of information increases and storage-less configuration is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecification data completenessVSAvoidinformation amount

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the storage of setting value specifications from the server and places it in the storage unit of each information processing apparatus. The server retains only the essential management functions, while the bulky specification data is taken out and stored locally, reducing server storage requirements while ensuring data completeness for editing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9912827B2Information processing apparatus for managing setting values of client device, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus stores, in association with configuration information of an image processing apparatus, specification information used to determine settings information that is used for an operation of the image processing apparatus and is to be shared between the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus, obtains the configuration information of the image processing apparatus receives, in a case where specification information corresponding to the configuration information that the obtaining unit obtained is not stored in the storage unit, the specification information corresponding to the obtained configuration information from an external storage device, and transmits to the image processing apparatus settings information to be shared with the image processing apparatus, which is determined based on the specification information received from the external storage device among the settings information stored by the storage unit.