Image Processing Apparatus Network Function Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods fail to allow users to conveniently switch to a new image processing apparatus with higher functions when it joins a network, limiting user convenience and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a detection mechanism for newly joined devices, determining and offering more appropriate functions to users, and facilitating data transfer to the new apparatus upon user preference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new image processing apparatus with higher functions is added to the network, then the functionality and performance of the network system is improved, but users cannot conveniently access or switch to the new apparatus's enhanced functions
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when a new image processing apparatus joins the network by monitoring network notifications. The detection unit receives join notifications from the new apparatus, automatically identifies its presence, and triggers the function offering process. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual user discovery and ensures users are promptly informed of new high-functionality apparatuses in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The new image processing apparatus automatically performs self-introduction by transmitting its apparatus information including function data to existing apparatuses upon joining the network. This self-service approach allows the new apparatus to proactively present its enhanced capabilities without requiring manual configuration or user intervention, enabling seamless integration and immediate availability of its functions.
2Ease of operation
If the system automatically detects and offers functions of new apparatuses to users, then user convenience is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the complex function offering process into distinct modular units: a detection unit for discovering new apparatuses, a function data obtaining unit for retrieving capability information, and an offering unit for presenting functions to users. This segmentation allows each component to handle a specific task independently, making the overall system easier to manage and maintain despite its automated capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing apparatus that has been used primarily acts as an intermediary between the new apparatus and the user. It receives function information from the new apparatus, processes this information, and presents it to the user through its interface. This intermediary role simplifies the user's interaction by consolidating multiple apparatus communications into a single point of contact.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a user set data storage portion for storing user set data indicating contents of processing that a user lets the image forming apparatus perform, the user using the image forming apparatus primarily, a new apparatus detection portion for detecting a new image forming apparatus that has newly joined an intranet, a new apparatus function data obtaining portion for obtaining function data indicating functions that the new image forming apparatus has, a suitable function extraction portion for determining, based on the user set data, a function that is more appropriate for the user than a current function from the functions indicated in the function data, and a change candidate notice processing portion for informing the user of the function determined to be more appropriate than the current function.