Representative Apparatus for Cross-Group Job Access in MFP Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image processing systems with multiple image formation apparatuses, users face difficulties in accessing and processing jobs across different systems due to varying job management methods, operation screens, and data handling capabilities, especially when transitioning between serverless and server-managed systems.
Innovation Solution
The system introduces a representative apparatus within each group of image formation apparatuses that communicates with other groups to provide access information, allowing users to log in and request job information from other groups, enabling flexible job operation across different system configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate small systems are constructed for each area, then system management and localization are improved, but job accessibility and operational flexibility across systems deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a representative apparatus as an intermediary component between different small systems. When a user logs in at an MFP in one area, the representative apparatus mediates by obtaining job information from the user's home system (via the home MFP) and presenting it at the current system. This mediator enables cross-system job access without requiring direct integration between all systems, thus maintaining system localization while improving job accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different job management methods are used in different systems, then system independence and customization are improved, but user operation consistency and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality through the representative apparatus that can operate in multiple contexts. The representative apparatus can access job information from different home systems (server-based or serverless) and present jobs in a unified manner at the current MFP. This multi-functional representative apparatus provides consistent operation experience across different system configurations while preserving the independence and customization of each home system.
3Device complexity
If a serverless system is used, then system simplicity and cost are improved, but job management capability and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The representative apparatus serves as an intermediary that bridges serverless systems with centralized job management needs. When a user accesses a serverless system through a representative apparatus, the representative obtains job information from the user's home MFP (which may be serverless) and manages the job presentation and execution at the current system. This allows serverless systems to maintain their simplicity while gaining improved job management capability through the representative apparatus coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
When an MFP in a group accepts log-in, in a case where a log-in user is not a user belonging to the group, the MFP requests of other MFPs as representative apparatuses of other groups, for information about jobs associated with the log-in user stored in the other groups. Based on the information about the jobs from the other MFPs, the MFP displays a selection screen to accept selection of a job by the user. The MFP outputs a control request for the selected job to an MFP storing the job.