File Type Conversion for Image Forming Device Data Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Data files from image forming devices, such as address books and templates, are stored in device-specific file types, making them incompatible across different models, forcing users to recreate these files when switching devices.
Innovation Solution
A computer apparatus with an interface to connect to image forming devices, type data storage, data file storage, and conversion control parts that allow users to select and convert file types from one device model to another, enabling seamless transfer of data files between different models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If data files are stored in device-specific file types for each image forming device model, then data files can be efficiently stored and managed in their native formats, but compatibility between different models is lost and users must recreate files when switching devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a file type conversion service as an intermediary between the source image forming device and the destination device. This service receives data files in the source device's file type, converts them to the destination device's file type using conversion tables, and transfers the converted files. This mediator resolves the compatibility issue without sacrificing storage efficiency, as each device can still store files in its native format while the conversion service enables cross-model transfer.
2Reliability
If users recreate address books and templates when changing image forming device models, then data files are optimized for the new device model, but time is lost and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-creating conversion tables that map file types between different image forming device models. These conversion tables are prepared in advance and stored in the file type conversion service. When a user needs to transfer data between models, the service can immediately use the pre-existing conversion table to convert the files, eliminating the need for users to manually recreate files and significantly reducing time loss while maintaining data optimization for the target device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a file type conversion service is introduced to enable data transfer between different models, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the file type conversion service as a multi-functional system that can handle multiple file types and multiple device models simultaneously. The service uses a unified conversion table structure that maps between various file types across different models, allowing a single service instance to serve multiple purposes. This approach improves compatibility across all models without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same conversion mechanism handles all conversion cases.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer apparatus has a type data storing part which stores type data regarding file types set according to models of image forming devices and a data file storing part which stores data files of described file types acquired from the image forming devices. The apparatus receives a selection of the models of The image forming devices with the data files acquired thereby and the data files stored in the data file storing part, and selections of the model of the image forming device outputting the data files, the file types different from the described file types and storage destinations of the data files. When receiving an instruction for a conversion, the apparatus converts the data files stored in the data file storing part into file types different from the described file types and stores them in the storage destinations of the data files.