MFP Relay Data Transmission via Load-Aware Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction peripherals (MFPs) face challenges in data transmission to external servers, particularly when direct transmission fails, and existing techniques are limited to cases where the MFP is powered off, lacking a comprehensive solution for load leveling during data transmission.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a communication device, printer, and control unit that communicates with other MFPs to determine a relay apparatus with a relatively low operating rate, allowing data to be transmitted via this apparatus to a predetermined external apparatus, thereby leveling the load and ensuring continuous data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is transmitted directly to the server, then transmission speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates when the MFP cannot connect directly to the server
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces another MFP as an intermediary relay device to forward data to the server when the primary MFP cannot connect directly. This mediator approach maintains transmission reliability by providing an alternative path while preserving direct transmission speed when available.
2Reliability
If data is transmitted via another MFP, then reliability is improved, but transmission speed deteriorates and is limited to cases where the MFP is powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically selects the transmission path based on the operational status of MFPs. When the primary MFP is powered off or cannot connect to the server, it automatically switches to using another MFP as a relay. This dynamic adaptation optimizes both reliability and speed by choosing the appropriate transmission mode based on real-time conditions.
3Device complexity
If one MFP handles all data transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to high operating rate and load concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data transmission functions of multiple MFPs into a cooperative system. By allowing MFPs to relay data for each other, the system distributes the transmission load across multiple devices, increasing overall productivity while maintaining relatively simple individual device architectures.
4Ease of operation
If data transmission is attempted during high load periods, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to server connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the MFP monitors server connection status and transmission success rates. When connection failures occur or reliability drops during high load periods, the system automatically adjusts by using alternative relay paths or delaying transmission, maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability through adaptive response to system conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus can include a communications circuit, a printer, and a controller. The communications circuit is configured to communicate with a networked image forming apparatus via a network. The printer is configured to form an image on a sheet. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The controller is configured to acquire sensor data from a sensor operatively coupled to the controller; determine, via the network, a relay image forming apparatus, the relay image forming apparatus having an operating rate being relatively lower than an operating rate of multiple image forming apparatuses including the image forming apparatus and the networked image forming apparatus; and transmit, via the relay image forming apparatus, the sensor data to a predetermined recipient apparatus.