Distribution Apparatus Using Common Protocol for Multiple Destinations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distribution systems require separate modules for each distribution destination due to differing distribution methods, leading to increased operational load when accommodating multiple destinations.

Innovation Solution

A distribution apparatus and method that includes a reception part to receive data and execute processes based on a process definition, with a distribution part that can distribute data to specified destinations using a common communications protocol, reducing the need for multiple modules by using a single distribution part for multiple destinations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate modules are implemented for each distribution destination, then data can be distributed to multiple destinations with different methods, but the operational load increases and the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to distribute to multiple destinationsVSAvoidnumber of modules

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution part is designed to handle multiple distribution destinations through a single unified module. It uses a distribution destination management table to store information about different destinations and their corresponding protocols, allowing the same distribution part to adaptively select and use appropriate protocols for different destinations without requiring separate modules for each destination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate modules are implemented for each distribution destination, then data can be distributed to multiple destinations with different methods, but the operational load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to distribute to multiple destinationsVSAvoidoperational load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple distribution functions for different destinations are merged into a single distribution part. The distribution part uses a distribution destination management table to manage multiple destinations and their protocols, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate modules into one unified component, thereby reducing operational load while maintaining the ability to distribute to multiple destinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9922296B2Distribution apparatus, distribution method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A distribution apparatus includes a reception part that receives first data and a request for execution of a process according to a process definition formed of one or more units of processing with respect to the first data, and one or more processing parts that execute the corresponding one or more units of processing. At least one processing part is a distribution part that distributes, to a distribution destination specified in the process definition, the first data or second data output as a result of execution of a unit of processing executed before a unit of processing corresponding to the at least one processing part. The distribution part distributes the first or second data based on information indicating a distribution method for the specified distribution destination defined in the process definition, when the specified distribution destination is included in multiple distribution destinations to which a communications protocol is common.