Cloud Server Virtual Grouping for Image Forming Device Workload Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a network environment with multiple image forming devices, jobs are often concentrated on a single device, leading to inefficient use of resources and the need for additional equipment or workarounds, such as scanning on one device and printing on another, due to limitations in device functionality and distribution of tasks.
Innovation Solution
A cloud server system that groups multiple image forming devices to extend their functions, allowing tasks to be distributed across devices through a virtual grouping job, where a User Interface (UI) is generated for mobile devices to manage and execute tasks across a work group of devices, and charging data is managed accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If jobs are concentrated on a single latest-model image forming device, then the device can execute desired functions rapidly, but resource utilization becomes inefficient and additional equipment is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the copy job into two independent parts: scanning function and printing function. The scanning task is assigned to Device A (scanner) and the printing task is assigned to Device B (printer), allowing each device to operate independently and efficiently without one device becoming a bottleneck for the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual work group that combines devices with different functions (scanner and printer) to provide universal copy functionality. This allows the system to perform copy jobs without requiring a dedicated copier device, as the combination of scanner and printer through the cloud server provides the necessary multi-functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If a scanner and printers are used without a copier, then equipment cost is reduced, but copy jobs cannot be performed directly
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud server acts as an intermediary that receives copy job requests from user terminals and automatically distributes them to appropriate devices in the work group. The server mediates between the user's copy request and the available devices (scanner and printer), enabling copy functionality without requiring a dedicated copier device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionalities of multiple devices (scanner and printer) into a unified work group that can perform copy jobs. By combining these devices under a single virtual work group managed by the cloud server, the system achieves copy capability that neither device could provide independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image forming devices are deployed, then device functionality increases, but job distribution becomes unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud server implements a feedback mechanism where it receives information about device availability, current workload, and job status from all devices in the work group. Based on this feedback, the server dynamically adjusts job distribution to balance the workload across devices, ensuring that no single device becomes overwhelmed while others remain underutilized.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a cloud server. The cloud server comprises: a control unit for generating a work group including a plurality of image forming devices which can be controlled by a mobile device; a UI generation unit for generating a UI capable of receiving an input of a virtual grouping job coupled to a plurality of tasks supported by the plurality of image forming devices, respectively; and a communication interface unit for providing a UI which has been generated in the mobile device.