Image Processing Apparatus Data Consistency Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems fail to ensure consistent data sharing among group users when original data is updated or deleted, leading to different versions of data being provided to users who have and have not accessed the reference information.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a first storage area for original data, a copier that stores reference information in a shared second storage area, and a controller that suspends data change instructions if not all access judgment target users have accessed the reference information, ensuring all users receive the updated data before proceeding with changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If reference information pointing to original data is stored in a group storage area to save storage capacity, then storage efficiency is improved, but data consistency among group users deteriorates when original data is updated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by notifying group users before original data is updated, and by providing updated data to all users who have accessed the reference information. This ensures that data consistency is maintained before the update takes effect, preventing the reliability deterioration that would otherwise occur with reference information storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (the controller that manages reference information and coordinates data distribution) that mediates between the storage efficiency benefit of reference information and the data consistency requirement. This intermediary ensures that updates are properly coordinated across all users.
2Productivity
If original data is updated immediately when changes are made, then productivity is improved, but information consistency among users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary notification to group users before executing the data update, and preliminarily provides updated data to users who have accessed the reference information. This preliminary action ensures that information consistency is maintained while still allowing productive updates to proceed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by notifying group users when original data is updated and by tracking which users have accessed the reference information. This feedback mechanism ensures that all relevant users receive updated data, preventing information loss while maintaining update productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users are notified to select whether to receive updated data, then adaptability is improved, but information consistency among group users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that automatically provides updated data to all group users who have accessed the reference information, eliminating the need for users to make individual selections. This maintains information consistency while still respecting user access patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages data distribution to group users without requiring their active participation or selection. Users simply access the reference information as needed, and the system self-manages ensuring they receive the correct updated data, maintaining both consistency and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus comprises a first storage area that stores in itself original data to be copied; a copier that copies the original data to a second storage area that is shared and allowed to be accessed by a plurality of users belonging to one same group, by storing reference information pointing to the original data stored in the first storage area, in the second storage area; a judger that judges whether or not all of access judgment target users who are the group users sharing the second storage area or preliminarily specified users, make access to the reference information stored by the copier in the second storage area; and a controller that suspends execution of an instruction given to change the original data for the access judgment target users so that the original data could be provided to all of them, if the judger judges that only some of the access judgment target users has made access to the reference information when the instruction to change the original data is given, and then, cancels the suspension after the original data is provided to all of the access judgment target users.