Cloud-Based Terminal Management System Using Passive Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing management systems for terminal devices are costly due to the active functioning of servers, which increases the overall system construction costs for managing image forming devices.
Innovation Solution
A management system utilizing a cloud storage that passively functions, where two communication devices, one acting as a master and the other as a client, write and read data from the cloud storage, allowing for simple and low-cost management of terminal devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an active server is used to manage terminal devices, then management functionality is achieved, but system construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active management functionality from a centralized server and distributes it to terminal devices themselves. Each terminal device executes local management programs that actively poll cloud storage for tasks and upload status information, eliminating the need for an active server while maintaining management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Terminal devices perform self-management by autonomously checking cloud storage for task requests, executing local management programs, uploading status information, and receiving payments for provided resources. This self-service approach replaces the need for active server-mediated management, reducing system construction costs while maintaining functionality.
2Device complexity
If cloud storage passively stores data, then system costs are reduced, but data access and management efficiency may be impacted
Solution Approach 1:
Terminal devices perform preliminary actions by actively polling cloud storage for task requests at predetermined intervals and pre-uploading status information when changes occur. This proactive approach ensures data is readily available for retrieval without requiring active server mediation, maintaining efficiency while using passive cloud storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where terminal devices continuously monitor cloud storage for task requests, execute local programs in response, upload status information, and receive payments. This automated feedback mechanism ensures efficient data access and management without requiring an active server, achieving both cost reduction and maintained productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A management system includes a first communication device configured to access a cloud storage, and a second communication device that is configured to access the cloud storage and is communicably connected to a first terminal device or provided in a second terminal device. The first communication device is configured to execute a first writing processing of writing task request data into the cloud storage, and a first acquisition processing of acquiring terminal data from the cloud storage in response to arrival of a first acquisition timing. The second communication device is configured to execute a second acquisition processing of acquiring the task request data from the cloud storage in response to arrival of a second acquisition timing, and a second writing processing of acquiring the terminal data from the management target and write the terminal data into the cloud storage.