Image Data Processing Device Centralized Management via NFC Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatus systems face challenges in managing the state of devices in a centralized manner when they are not connected to a network, making it difficult for servers to monitor and control their operations effectively.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a dual communication scheme, using NFC for short-range communication and wireless LAN for longer-range communication, allowing judgment information to be relayed between management devices and image data processing devices, enabling centralized management and control of image data processing even when the management device is outside the NFC range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image data processing device uses only short-range communication (NFC) to communicate with the management device, then communication security is improved, but the management device must be within the limited NFC communication range
Solution Approach 1:
The portable terminal device serves as an intermediary between the image data processing device and the management device. It receives judgment information from the management device via wireless LAN and relays it to the image data processing device through NFC communication, enabling the system to overcome the limited NFC range while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a third device (portable terminal) to create a multi-dimensional communication architecture. Instead of direct communication between two devices, the information flows through an intermediate dimension (the portable terminal), expanding the effective communication range while preserving the secure NFC channel for critical data.
2Reliability
If the image data processing device is not connected to the network, then communication security is improved, but centralized management by the server becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The portable terminal acts as a mediator that bridges the isolated image data processing device and the networked management device. It enables the device to receive management information without establishing a direct network connection, thus maintaining security while enabling centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the management device send judgment information to the portable terminal in advance. This allows the image data processing device to operate with pre-received management information, enabling centralized control without requiring continuous network connectivity.
3Ease of operation
If the management device is outside the NFC communication range, then mobility is improved, but direct communication with the image data processing device is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The portable terminal serves as a mobile intermediary that can be positioned within NFC range of the image data processing device while the management device remains outside NFC range. It receives information from the management device via wireless LAN and relays it through NFC, maintaining communication capability regardless of management device location.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image data processing device (51, 52) may be configured to be used in a system (1). The system (1) may comprise the image data processing device (51, 52), a management device (71) and a plurality of electronic devices (8-10). The image data processing device may comprise a communication unit (36) configured to communicate with the electronic device by using the first communication scheme. The image data processing device may cause, in a case where the communication unit receives the judgment information from the electronic device, a storing unit (33) to store the received judgment information. The image data processing device may execute the image data processing in a case where it is determined that the processor is able to execute the image data processing based on the judgment information stored by the storing unit.