Distributed Client Info Storage for MFP Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a network environment with multiple image forming apparatuses and client apparatuses, existing systems face challenges in efficiently storing information about client apparatuses due to memory capacity limitations, leading to operational complexities and potential faulty operations when trying to exchange data.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a storage unit, detection unit, assignment unit, and transmission unit that shares and manages information about client apparatuses among multiple image forming apparatuses, allowing efficient storage and data transfer even when individual apparatuses have limited memory capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each image forming apparatus holds information relating to all client apparatuses, then any apparatus can exchange data with any client, but the memory capacity of each apparatus must be large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the client apparatus information into multiple segments, with each image forming apparatus storing information for only a subset of clients. The detection unit identifies which clients are connected to which apparatuses, and the assignment unit distributes client information across multiple apparatuses. This segmentation allows the system to maintain full data exchange capability while reducing the memory burden on each individual apparatus.
2Quantity of substance
If each image forming apparatus stores information for maximum memory capacity, then more clients can be supported, but client apparatuses exceeding the largest apparatus capacity cannot exchange data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage capabilities of multiple image forming apparatuses into a distributed information repository. Each apparatus stores a portion of client information, and through the detection and assignment units, the system combines these distributed resources to support a total number of clients exceeding the capacity of any single apparatus. This merging approach eliminates the bottleneck of the largest apparatus while maintaining efficient data exchange.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single apparatus presents all stored client apparatuses as options, then all clients are accessible, but the operating procedure becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having each image forming apparatus present only the client information relevant to its local context. The detection unit identifies which clients are actually connected to or accessible through each apparatus, and the assignment unit ensures each apparatus displays an optimized, manageable list of clients. This localizes the information presentation to match the operational context of each apparatus, reducing complexity while maintaining access to all necessary clients through the network.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of MFPs are connected to a data transfer system, and one of the MFPs functions as a representing MFP. The representing MFP monitors a connection status of the MFPs and a PC to the data transfer system. Upon detection of a change in the connection status, the representing MFP assigns the PC connected to the data transfer system after the change to each of the plurality of MFPs in an order up to a maximum number of PCs that can be connected, and has information necessary for carrying out data transfer to the PC be stored in the MFPs connected to the data transfer system in a distributed manner.