MFP Function Enablement Through Server-Managed Service Plans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to appropriately enable functions in multi-function peripherals (MFPs) based on the content of service plans, leading to improper function settings.
Innovation Solution
A management system and server configuration that includes a multi-function peripheral, a server, and a communication interface, enabling the server to transmit setting instructions to the MFP to enable functions according to user-selected plans, and the MFP to receive and execute these instructions accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple service system is used for basic delivery service, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot perform function settings based on service plan content in multi-function peripherals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component between the user and the multi-function peripheral. The server receives service plan information, processes it, and generates appropriate setting instructions that are transmitted to the MFP. This intermediary approach enables complex function settings without requiring the MFP itself to have complex configuration capabilities, thus improving adaptability while managing system complexity through centralized processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the service delivery architecture into distinct functional segments: the service provider server that manages service plans and generates settings, the communication interface that transmits instructions, and the multi-function peripheral that executes settings. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, enabling the overall system to achieve high adaptability for different service plans while keeping individual component complexity manageable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed function settings are used in the multi-function peripheral, then the system structure remains simple, but the functions cannot be switched according to different service plans
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-defining service plans with associated function settings on the server side. When a user subscribes to a service plan, the corresponding settings are automatically prepared and transmitted to the multi-function peripheral without requiring user configuration. This preliminary preparation enables automatic function switching based on service plans while maintaining ease of operation for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the multi-function peripheral transmits usage information and status back to the server, and the server responds by transmitting updated setting instructions based on the current service plan. This feedback mechanism ensures that function settings remain synchronized with the active service plan, enabling automatic adaptation while reducing manual intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual function configuration is required for each service plan, then configuration accuracy improves, but the time and complexity of setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration where the multi-function peripheral automatically receives and applies setting instructions from the server based on the user's service plan selection. The device configures its own functions without requiring manual intervention from users or technicians, thereby achieving accurate settings that match the service plan content while dramatically reducing setup time and complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A management system includes: a multi-function peripheral; a server which manages a service related to the multi-function peripheral and including a plurality of plans; and a communication interface. The server transmits, to the multi-function peripheral via the communication interface, a setting instruction to set a function of the multi-function peripheral to be enabled in accordance with a plan for which a user of the multi-function peripheral applied. Further, the multi-function peripheral receives the setting instruction via the communication interface, and sets the function in accordance with the plan to be enabled, based on the received setting instruction.