Host Apparatus Setting Information Management for Image Forming Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing setting information across multiple image forming apparatuses, such as printers and photocopiers, are inefficient, requiring manual identification and updating of settings for each device, leading to inconvenience and potential unintended synchronization of settings.
Innovation Solution
A host apparatus and method that compares and displays setting information from multiple image forming apparatuses, allowing users to selectively update settings based on differences, using options like 'same', 'partially different', 'left exist only', and 'right exist only', and transmitting updates via SNMP, CSV, or XML files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual identification and updating of settings for each device is used, then individual device control is achieved, but management efficiency deteriorates when handling multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple device setting management operations into a unified interface where users can select and manage multiple image forming apparatuses simultaneously. The setting update operation combines individual device settings into a batch processing mechanism, allowing one action to update settings across multiple devices at once, thus resolving the contradiction between individual control and management efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The management system provides universal setting templates that can be applied across different image forming apparatuses with varying functions. A single setting configuration can be universally applied to multiple devices, enabling the system to handle diverse device types through a unified management approach that maintains both individual device specificity and overall management efficiency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If uniform synchronization of settings across all devices is applied, then consistency is improved, but user intention and device-specific requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing users to selectively apply settings to specific devices or device groups rather than forcing uniform synchronization across all devices. The system enables different setting configurations for different devices based on their specific requirements, while still maintaining the ability to synchronize common settings where applicable, thus preserving both consistency and device-specific adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial synchronization by allowing users to choose which settings to synchronize across devices and which to keep device-specific. Rather than synchronizing all settings uniformly, the system enables selective application of setting updates, applying synchronization only where needed while preserving device-specific customizations elsewhere.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive setting information is displayed for all devices, then complete information availability is achieved, but information processing complexity and user burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display of setting information by organizing it according to the selected devices rather than presenting all possible settings at once. The interface divides setting information into device-specific sections, allowing users to view and manage settings for multiple devices in an organized, segmented manner that reduces cognitive load while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a device-selection dimension to the information display, organizing setting information along multiple axes: device identity, setting category, and synchronization status. This multi-dimensional organization allows comprehensive setting information to be presented in a structured way that reduces perceived complexity by providing clear navigation and filtering options.
Data Source
AI summary
A setting information management method of a host apparatus which is communicatively coupled to a plurality of image forming apparatuses that include setting information, the method including selecting at least two image forming apparatuses, receiving at least one setting item and a setting value corresponding to the setting item of the setting information from the selected image forming apparatuses, displaying the at least one received setting item and setting value for each of the selected image forming apparatuses; comparing and displaying the at least one setting item and setting value of the selected image forming apparatuses according to a comparison option, selecting at least one of the displayed setting item and setting value to be updated, and changing at least one of the setting item and the setting value of at least one of the selected image forming apparatuses.