Group Box Data Processing Apparatus for Multi-User Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data processing systems do not allow users to choose their preferred data transmission methods, limiting recipients to receive data only via email and not accommodating diverse user preferences for different transmission methods.
Innovation Solution
A data processing apparatus and method that includes a data storage system with group storage regions, allowing multiple data processing methods to be associated with each user, enabling data to be processed according to the preferred methods when stored, including email, facsimile, FTP, and printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one data transmission method is determined by the sender user, then the transmission process is simple, but the recipient user cannot choose their preferred reception method
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having recipient users register their preferred data reception methods in advance. The notification destination management apparatus stores multiple reception method information (email, facsimile, FTP) for each user before data transmission occurs. When data is transmitted, the system automatically notifies recipients through their preferred methods without requiring them to make selections at transmission time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple data processing methods are defined for each user, then user preferences are satisfied, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex functionality into distinct modular components: a notification destination management apparatus that manages user reception preferences, a data transmission apparatus that handles data sending, and a notification apparatus that sends alerts. Each component has a specific function, and they work together through standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows multiple processing methods to be supported while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification destination management apparatus acts as an intermediary between the data transmission apparatus and various reception systems (email, facsimile, FTP). It stores and manages the mapping between users and their preferred reception methods, translating user preferences into actionable transmission parameters. This intermediary layer shields the transmission system from the complexity of handling multiple different reception protocols directly.
3Ease of operation
If conventional email-only reception is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot accommodate users who prefer other transmission methods like facsimile or FTP
Solution Approach 1:
The notification destination management apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple types of data reception methods simultaneously. It can manage email addresses, facsimile numbers, FTP server information, and other reception parameters for different users. The system provides universal notification capabilities across diverse communication protocols while maintaining a unified management interface, allowing users to register and select from various reception methods without requiring separate systems for each protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to process data by a plurality of processing methods defined for each of a plurality of users with a simple operation, MFP includes a HDD having a group BOX for storing data, related with at least two users, and creates a group table which associates at least two data processing methods respectively corresponding to at least two users with the group BOX. When data is stored into the group BOX, the stored data is processed according to each of at least two data processing methods associated with the group BOX.