Management Apparatus for Image Forming Devices with Fallback Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current device management systems fail to provide satisfactory reports when data retrieval from image forming apparatuses fails, leading to incomplete management and lack of visibility into connection issues, such as power-off or network errors.
Innovation Solution
A management apparatus that receives designations for cycle or schedule, type of apparatus information, and file format, and outputs a file including network information, connection state, and page count information, even if data retrieval fails, by incorporating error information and previously obtained page count data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the management apparatus attempts to obtain information from image forming apparatuses, then comprehensive device management data can be collected, but data retrieval failures occur due to power-off or network errors
Solution Approach 1:
The management apparatus stores previously obtained device information in advance (step S1005) so that when data retrieval fails currently, the stored historical data can be used to generate reports (step S1006). This preliminary storage of data ensures continuous report generation even when real-time data collection fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of data retrieval failures into a beneficial outcome by detecting connection errors (step S1003) and using previously obtained data to generate reports (step S1006). Instead of simply failing to produce reports when data retrieval fails, the system uses the failure condition to trigger a fallback mechanism that maintains report generation capability.
2Measurement precision
If the management apparatus outputs reports only when data retrieval is successful, then report accuracy is maintained, but management visibility is reduced when connection errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The management apparatus incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect connection states and error conditions (step S1003) and use this information to determine whether to generate reports based on previously obtained data (step S1006). This feedback loop ensures that report generation adapts to connection status while maintaining visibility into device management.
3Quantity of substance
If the management apparatus includes all possible device information in reports, then comprehensive management is achieved, but report size and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively including different types of device information in reports based on connection status. When data retrieval is successful, comprehensive information is included; when retrieval fails, the system adjusts the report content to reflect the actual available data and connection state, thereby maintaining relevance without unnecessary complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The management apparatus receives first designation on a file and second designation of an image forming apparatus. The management apparatus obtains information from the image forming apparatus designated by the second designation in accordance with the first designation. The management apparatus outputs a file including the obtained information. Information of the image forming apparatus designated by the second designation includes network information of the image forming apparatus, a communication date and time, a connection state, apparatus information corresponding to the type received by the first designation, and page count information not designated by the type received by the first designation. When obtainment of information complying with the first designation fails, the output file includes both information representing an error of the connection state, and page count information previously obtained from the image forming apparatus.