External Memory Unit for Low-End Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-end image forming apparatuses without large capacity memory devices face challenges in providing advanced data storage and processing capabilities, leading to increased hardware costs and limited service offerings.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a large capacity memory device and common interface is connected to low-end image forming apparatuses, enabling data reception, storage, and transmission for image forming requests, effectively emulating high-end functionality without the need for additional memory in the low-end devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large capacity memory device is included in the image forming apparatus, then data storage capability is improved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the data storage function from the image forming apparatus and places it in a separate information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus handles only image processing while the external apparatus handles data storage and management, allowing low-end devices to remain cost-effective while still providing data storage capabilities through network connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data storage function is added to image forming apparatus, then service capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus serves multiple functions including data storage, document management, and image processing support. By making this external apparatus multi-functional, the system avoids adding multiple separate devices to the image forming apparatus, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enhancing service capability.
3Productivity
If image forming apparatus processes stored data, then productivity is improved, but loss of time in data retrieval occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus pre-processes and organizes data in the large capacity memory device before image forming operations. Data is prepared and staged in advance, so when image processing is needed, the data is already in the optimal format and location, minimizing retrieval time and maximizing processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage apparatus having an application program and connected to a data processing apparatus, the storage apparatus including a reception part configured to receive data from outside and store the data in the storage apparatus; and an execution part configured to operate the application programs and transmit an execution request to the data processing apparatus via an interface which is specific to the data processing apparatus so that a data processing is executed by functions provided to the data processing apparatus when the storage device receives a data processing request related to the data stored in the storage apparatus.