Email Management Server Alert-Based Sending Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-function peripherals lack a configuration where a server can send emails on behalf of the device, and there is no consideration for alert-related processes in such scenarios, leading to inefficiencies in email sending and management.
Innovation Solution
A server system is configured to receive sending information from a device, store email identification information, and manage restriction information based on alert notifications, allowing it to send emails or restrict sending based on predefined conditions, with a communication device interacting with the server to request email sending and handle restriction notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a server sends emails on behalf of the multi-function peripheral, then email sending capability is provided, but the system cannot properly handle alert-related processes for error emails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an email management server as an intermediary between the multi-function peripheral and the email system. The server handles email transmission and alert processing, allowing the peripheral to maintain its core functions while the server manages email-specific operations including alert handling for error emails.
Solution Approach 2:
The email sending function is segmented from the multi-function peripheral and assigned to a dedicated server. This separation allows the server to specialize in email operations including receiving sending information, transmitting emails, and processing alerts, while the peripheral focuses on document processing and other core functions.
2Reliability
If the multi-function peripheral stores and processes error information locally, then error tracking is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the error information storage and processing function from the multi-function peripheral and relocates it to the email management server. The server maintains a database of error information associated with recipient addresses, eliminating the need for the peripheral to implement complex error tracking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The email management server automatically receives alert information from the email system, processes error information, and updates its internal database without requiring intervention from the multi-function peripheral. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A server may store first device identification information identifying a first device. The server may, in a case where alert information is received, store restriction information in the memory in association with the first device identification information; receive second sending information from the first device; and in a case where the second sending information is received from the first device in a state where the restriction information is not stored in association with the first device identification information, send a second email with a first email address as a destination stored in association with the first device identification information, wherein in a case where the second sending information is received from the first device in a state where the restriction information is stored in association with the first device identification information, the sending of the second email is restricted.