Dynamic Setting Information Acquisition for Multifunction Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of settings in multifunctional image forming apparatuses increases administrative burdens when introducing or updating devices, as existing methods require pre-setting of preference information sources, limiting flexibility in managing common settings across multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device and information processing system that includes a setting unit to set operation information based on common setting information, a designation information acquisition unit to acquire the origin of this information via a network, and a storage unit to store and retrieve this information, enabling easy designation and acquisition of common setting information using the pull-type setting method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a push type setting method is used to transmit setting information to devices, then setting information can be delivered to devices, but the flexibility in managing common settings across multiple devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an information processing apparatus as an intermediary between the setting information source and multiple electronic devices. This intermediary manages common setting information centrally and distributes it to multiple devices, providing flexibility in setting management while reducing the complexity for individual devices. The intermediary apparatus stores designation information indicating acquisition origins and manages the distribution of setting information based on pull-type requests from devices.
2Ease of operation
If device setting information is acquired from external servers using pull type method, then devices can retrieve setting information autonomously, but pre-specification of information sources is required which reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the acquisition origin of common setting information is not fixed but can be designated flexibly through designation information. The system allows the information source to be dynamically specified and changed without requiring pre-specification, enabling devices to adaptively retrieve setting information from different external servers or information processing apparatuses based on current needs.
3Productivity
If common setting information is managed across multiple devices, then administrative efficiency is improved, but the complexity of managing acquisition origins and sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal information processing apparatus that can serve multiple electronic devices simultaneously, managing common setting information for various device types and functions. This universal apparatus handles diverse setting information acquisition origins and provides a standardized interface for multiple devices, improving administrative efficiency while concealing the underlying complexity of source management from individual devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a setting unit configured to set setting information of an operation of the electronic device according to common setting information; a designation information acquisition unit configured to acquire designation information, which designates an acquisition origin of the common setting information, via a network; and a setting information acquisition unit configured to acquire the common setting information from the acquisition origin of the common setting information designated by the designation information acquired by the designation information acquisition unit.