Image Processing Apparatus Address Book Import Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image processing apparatuses face difficulties in seamlessly exporting and importing address book data between systems with different access control mechanisms, requiring manual intervention and increased complexity due to differences in address book functions, such as universal access versus user/group-based restricted access.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus is designed with a first obtaining unit for destination data from an external apparatus, a second obtaining unit for import instructions, and an importing unit to transfer data between destination tables with varying management methods, allowing direct import into appropriate tables based on access permissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If destination data is imported only into the same address book as the export source, then data compatibility is maintained, but operational flexibility and adaptability to different address book types are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic import destination selection where the system automatically detects the type of address book in the target apparatus and determines the appropriate import destination accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the same import function to work with different address book types (universal access vs. restricted access) without requiring manual configuration, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying the appropriate import destination based on the target apparatus's address book configuration. The apparatus autonomously determines whether to import into a universal address book or a user/group-restricted address book without user intervention, reducing operational complexity while enhancing adaptability to different system configurations
2Productivity
If manual import process is used for different address book types, then data accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and operational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple import destinations within the target apparatus and pre-establishing the rules for selecting appropriate destinations based on address book type. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual destination selection during the actual import operation, thereby improving productivity while reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism that automatically matches export source data with appropriate import destinations based on address book type compatibility. This intermediary matching process streamlines the import operation, improving efficiency by eliminating manual intervention while ensuring data accuracy through systematic matching rules
3Adaptability or versatility
If address book functions differ between apparatuses, then each apparatus can be optimized for specific needs, but compatibility and ease of data transfer are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing an import function that can handle multiple address book types (universal access and restricted access) through a unified interface. The system universally supports different address book configurations by automatically adapting the import process to the target apparatus's specific address book type, thereby maintaining compatibility while preserving the unique functional characteristics of each apparatus type
Data Source
AI summary
It is an object to reduce a troublesomeness required to export/import an address book (destination table) between image processing apparatuses. For this purpose, at the time of import request of destination data for import, an import instruction to a group destination table is made. A group destination table ID which coincides with a destination table ID obtained from the destination data for import is retrieved. The group destination table associated with the group destination table ID is specified as a group destination table of an import destination side. The destination data obtained from the destination data for import is imported as destination data into the specified group destination table (group destination table DB).