MFP Master Relay for Facsimile Cost Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing facsimile systems require multiple apparatuses to be equipped with a telephone line for increased user convenience, leading to high initial and fixed costs, and user convenience is compromised when only a specific apparatus can receive and output documents, especially in remote working scenarios where no such apparatus is available nearby.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a processor that manages a correspondence list between telephone numbers and identification information, allowing it to transfer and receive facsimiles, and register new correspondences for apparatuses without a direct connection to the telephone line, acting as a relay and proxy transmitter for connected devices like MFP slave apparatuses and PCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple apparatuses are equipped with facsimile function and telephone line connection, then user convenience increases, but initial cost and fixed cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The MFP master apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as both a facsimile receiving apparatus with telephone line connection and as a relay server for other MFP slave apparatuses. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide facsimile services to multiple apparatuses without requiring each to have its own telephone line connection, thereby maintaining user convenience while reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFP master apparatus functions as an intermediary between the telephone line network and multiple MFP slave apparatuses. It receives facsimiles via telephone line, stores them, and transfers them to requesting slave apparatuses through the network. This mediator role eliminates the need for each slave apparatus to have direct telephone line connection, reducing both initial and fixed costs while maintaining accessibility.
2Quantity of substance
If only a specific apparatus is capable of receiving and outputting facsimile documents, then cost is reduced, but user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The MFP master apparatus acts as an intermediary that enables multiple slave apparatuses to access facsimile services remotely. When a slave apparatus needs to receive or transmit a facsimile, it communicates with the master apparatus over the network, which then handles the telephone line connection and document output. This allows users to operate from any location without needing physical access to the specific apparatus with the telephone line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical presence at a specific apparatus with a network-based communication system. Slave apparatuses can request and receive facsimile documents through electronic communication (email, network protocols) with the master apparatus, eliminating the need for users to physically move to the location of the apparatus with telephone line connection capability.
3Measurement precision
If a correspondence list is maintained for telephone numbers and identification information, then facsimile transfer accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The correspondence list management system operates autonomously. When a slave apparatus requests facsimile transfer, the master apparatus automatically queries the correspondence list to identify the correct destination, retrieves the facsimile, and transfers it without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains high transfer accuracy while minimizing the operational complexity burden on users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the correspondence list as a feedback mechanism to ensure accurate routing. Each facsimile transfer request triggers a query to the correspondence list, which provides feedback on the correct destination apparatus. This feedback loop ensures that facsimiles are routed accurately to the intended recipients, maintaining high transfer precision while the automated nature of the process keeps system complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes: a processor configured to transfer data of a received facsimile by referring to correspondence information in which a correspondence between a telephone number and identification information is registered, the identification information identifying a partner of communication by facsimile from or to the telephone number; and in a case where a facsimile transmission request has been received from a requester and a correspondence between identification information identifying the requester and a telephone number of a destination included in the facsimile transmission request is not registered in the correspondence information, additionally register the correspondence between the identification information and the telephone number in the correspondence information.