MFP Content Selection via Server Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional signage systems fail to enable utilization of distributed content on apparatuses without storage means, limiting their ability to use the content effectively.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that includes a multifunction peripheral (MFP) and a server system, where the MFP determines if a storage device is connected and requests suitable content from a content center based on its configuration, allowing it to display content appropriate for its current state and capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If content is distributed to apparatus using conventional signage system, then content distribution is achieved, but apparatus without storage means cannot utilize the distributed content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server system as an intermediary that stores content and provides it to apparatus on demand. The server acts as a mediator between the content source and the apparatus, allowing apparatus without local storage to access and utilize content through network communication. This resolves the contradiction by externalizing the storage function to an intermediary system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal content delivery system where the server can serve multiple types of apparatus with different storage capabilities. The system is designed to work with both apparatus that have storage means and those that don't, providing universal content access across diverse device configurations through a common network-based approach.
2Productivity
If apparatus without storage means receives content, then content distribution is achieved, but the apparatus cannot store or repeatedly use the content
Solution Approach 1:
The server system serves as an external storage intermediary, allowing apparatus to access content repeatedly through network requests without requiring local storage. The server handles content retrieval and delivery, enabling the apparatus to utilize content multiple times as if it were locally stored, thus improving productivity without increasing storage capacity.
3Speed
If content is distributed without considering apparatus configuration, then distribution speed is improved, but content suitability for the apparatus is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the apparatus report its configuration information to the server before content distribution. The server uses this information in advance to select and deliver appropriate content that matches the apparatus capabilities. This pre-assessment enables fast distribution of suitable content without trial-and-error retries, maintaining speed while ensuring adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the apparatus provides information about its configuration and capabilities to the server. The server uses this feedback to make informed decisions about content selection and delivery. This feedback loop ensures that distributed content is suitable for the specific apparatus while maintaining efficient distribution through automated decision-making.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing system according to the present invention includes an apparatus and a server system. The server system includes an apparatus information receiving unit, a content generation unit, a content information request receiving unit, a content information transmitting unit, a content request receiving unit, and a content transmitting unit. The apparatus information receiving unit receives apparatus information. The content generation unit generates a content based on the apparatus information. The content information request receiving unit receives a content information request from the apparatus. The content information transmitting unit transmits content information that can identify one or more contents generated by the content generation unit to the apparatus. The content request receiving unit receives a content request from the apparatus. The content transmitting unit transmits the content to the apparatus. The apparatus includes an apparatus information transmitting unit, a content information request transmitting unit, a content information receiving unit, a selection unit, a content request transmitting unit, and a content receiving unit. The apparatus information transmitting unit transmits the apparatus information to the server system. The content information request transmitting unit transmits the content information request to the server system. The content information receiving unit receives the content information from the server system. When the storage device is not connected to the apparatus, the selection unit selects a content satisfying a predetermined condition from among the one or more contents identified by the content information received by the content information receiving unit. The content request transmitting unit transmits the content request requesting the content selected by the selection unit to the server system. The content receiving unit receives the content.