Linkage Server Mediates Facsimile Print Requests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional facsimile linkage systems require devices to have a facsimile function, leading to increased installation costs due to the need for specific equipment with this capability, even though only a print function is necessary for printing received facsimile documents.
Innovation Solution
A linkage system comprising a facsimile device, a linkage server, and an image forming device connected through a network, where the linkage server transmits print requests to the image forming device based on reception information from the facsimile device, allowing devices without a facsimile function to print received documents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices are required to have a facsimile function to receive and print facsimile documents, then the reliability of facsimile document processing is improved, but the installation cost increases due to the need for specific equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives facsimile documents from a facsimile device and distributes them to designated image forming devices. This mediator architecture allows the image forming device to print facsimile documents without requiring a built-in facsimile function, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining processing reliability through the centralized server management
2Reliability
If only devices with facsimile function can be linked to facsimile device, then the reliability of data reception is improved, but the adaptability of the system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal linkage mechanism where the server acts as a common interface between the facsimile device and various types of image forming devices. This universal architecture allows any device that can communicate with the server to be linked to the facsimile device, expanding system adaptability while the server ensures reliable data reception and distribution
3Ease of operation
If facsimile function is equipped in receiving devices, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the facsimile reception function from the image forming device and consolidates it in a dedicated server. This separation allows the image forming device to maintain simple printing operations without the complexity of integrated facsimile functionality, while the server handles all facsimile reception and distribution tasks
Data Source
AI summary
A linkage system includes a facsimile device, an image forming device, and a linkage device through a network. The facsimile device includes a receiver configured to receive a facsimile document through a public line, and a notifying unit configured to transmit reception information about the facsimile document together with a reception event indicating that the facsimile document is received to the linkage device. The linkage device includes a linkage controller configured to transmit a print request to print the facsimile document included in the reception information to the image forming device when the reception event and the reception information are received. The image forming device includes a printing unit configured to print the facsimile document based on the print request.