Image Forming Apparatus Setting Transfer via Reflection Policy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatus management techniques are inadequate for efficiently classifying and transferring setting information, particularly due to the complexity of finely classified setting information categories and the inability to flexibly update settings across different device configurations and applications.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a first storing unit for XML-based setting information, an acquisition unit for device identification, and a third storing unit that uses import modules to determine reflection levels and store compliant setting values in a database, enabling flexible transfer and management of unique and common settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If setting information is manually configured for each device, then device configuration accuracy is improved, but setup time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring setting information on a reference device before delivery. The setting information is then transferred to the target device, eliminating the need for manual configuration at the delivery destination. This resolves the contradiction by performing the configuration work in advance, reducing both setup time and labor cost while maintaining configuration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a copy of the setting information from the reference device and transferring it to the target device. The setting information management server stores the setting information in a database, retrieves it based on device identification, and transfers it to the target device. This copying approach maintains configuration accuracy while significantly reducing setup time compared to manual configuration.
2Loss of time
If setting information is transferred from a reference device, then setup time is reduced, but adaptability to different device configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by classifying setting information into device-specific settings and common settings. Device-specific settings are only transferred to devices with matching configurations, while common settings are transferred universally. This ensures that each device receives only the appropriate settings, maintaining adaptability to different configurations while enabling efficient transfer of common settings to reduce setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by comparing device identification information (model, serial number, configuration parameters) between the reference device and target device. Based on this comparison, the system determines which setting information should be transferred. This parameter-based approach allows flexible adaptation to different device configurations while maintaining efficient automated transfer processes.
3Productivity
If all setting information is transferred universally, then transfer speed is improved, but setting information accuracy for specific devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by classifying setting information into device-specific settings and common settings. Device-specific settings are only transferred to devices with matching configurations, while common settings are transferred universally. This ensures that each device receives only the appropriate settings, maintaining accuracy for specific devices while enabling efficient universal transfer of common settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses segmentation by dividing setting information into distinct categories: device-specific settings and common settings. This segmentation allows the system to transfer common settings universally at high speed while selectively transferring device-specific settings only to appropriate devices, thereby maintaining both transfer speed and setting information accuracy.
4Manufacturing precision
If device-specific setting information is managed separately, then setting accuracy for specific configurations is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a unified setting information management system that handles both device-specific settings and common settings through a single automated process. The setting information management server provides a universal platform that classifies, stores, retrieves, and transfers appropriate settings based on device identification, eliminating the need for separate manual management processes and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus stores setting information received from an external device in a temporary region, and compares device identification information acquired from the setting information with device identification information of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus determines a reflection level used to reflect each setting included in the setting information stored in the temporary region, and stores the setting information in a database. Further, the image forming apparatus extracts a setting compliant with the reflection level and a reflection policy, using a plurality of import modules, and stores the extracted setting in a database that is actually used for control performed by the image forming apparatus.