Cloud Link System Aggregating Service Lists for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex system configurations where multiple cloud link services are connected, user operability for selecting cloud services is degraded due to increased complexity, requiring multiple selections on UI panels to access and use cloud services.
Innovation Solution
A cloud system with a cloud link system that connects image forming apparatuses to multiple cloud services via a network, featuring an acceptance unit, request unit, reception unit, and display control unit on the image forming apparatus, and a management and transmission unit in the cloud link system, allowing for the display of a combined list of cloud services and efficient selection without duplicate displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cloud link services are connected to provide diverse cloud services, then the versatility and functionality of the system is improved, but the device complexity and user operability deteriorate due to increased number of selection steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud service management apparatus as an intermediary component that sits between the image forming apparatus and multiple cloud link services. This management apparatus consolidates the complexity of managing multiple cloud services by providing a unified interface, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing operational complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud service management apparatus serves multiple functions: it manages connections to multiple cloud link services, aggregates service information, and presents a unified service list to users. This multi-functionality allows a single apparatus to handle what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cloud link services are connected to expand service coverage, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring multiple selections on UI panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple cloud link services into a single unified service list displayed on the UI panel of the image forming apparatus. Instead of requiring users to navigate through multiple separate service selections, all available cloud services from different cloud link services are aggregated into one list, allowing single-selection operation while maintaining access to diverse services.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud service management apparatus acts as an intermediary that translates the complexity of multiple cloud service connections into a simplified single-selection interface for users. It handles the underlying complexity of multiple service connections while presenting a simple, unified service selection mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If cloud services are displayed on UI panel to enable user selection, then the ease of operation is improved, but duplicate service displays occur when multiple cloud link services are connected
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud service management apparatus implements a feedback mechanism that monitors and tracks which services have been displayed or selected. When services from multiple cloud link services are aggregated, the system uses feedback information to identify and eliminate duplicate service entries, ensuring accurate and non-redundant service list presentation to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The management apparatus serves as an intermediary that processes and filters service information from multiple cloud link services before presenting it to the user interface. It manages the service list by removing duplicates and consolidating redundant information, thereby maintaining information accuracy while enabling easy operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cloud link system is connected with another cloud link system. In a list of cloud services includes a first cloud service connected to the cloud link system without the another cloud link system and a second cloud service connected to the another cloud link system.