Image Data Retention Control Using Import-Time Timestamp Reset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data deletion systems in image forming apparatuses often delete data prematurely, leading to unexpected loss of necessary information due to fixed time settings, which can result in data being deleted immediately after import.

Innovation Solution

A system that updates the date and time attribute of imported data with the import date and time, allowing for controlled deletion based on a predetermined period after import, using a controller to manage deletion timing and settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If data is deleted based on fixed time settings, then storage management is automated, but data may be deleted prematurely before the user needs it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated deletionVSAvoiddata retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the deletion timing by updating the reference date and time attribute when data is acquired. Instead of using a fixed deletion schedule, the system calculates deletion timing relative to when the data was actually acquired, making the deletion policy adaptive to each data item's acquisition time while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If data is deleted immediately after import, then storage space is freed quickly, but important data may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage turnoverVSAvoiddata loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary action of updating the date and time attribute with the acquisition date and time when data is imported. This preliminary timestamp update ensures that subsequent deletion operations reference the correct acquisition time, preventing premature deletion while maintaining efficient storage management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a predetermined period is set for data retention, then data is kept longer to prevent loss, but storage space is consumed longer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retentionVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the reference parameter for deletion timing from a fixed calendar date to a relative time period based on data acquisition. By updating the date and time attribute to reflect acquisition time and calculating deletion timing as a predetermined period after acquisition, the system optimizes storage utilization while ensuring data is retained long enough to be useful.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260003827A1Processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and processing method of processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 SHARP KK

AI summary

A processing apparatus of the disclosure includes an acquirer that acquires data including information of a date and time at which the data has been generated as a date and time attribute, a storage that stores the acquired data, and at least one controller The at least one controller updates the date and time attribute of the data acquired by the acquirer with a date and time acquired by the acquirer, and deletes data being present after a lapse of a predetermined period from a date and time of the date and time attribute among pieces of the data in the storage.