Schedule-Based Image Data Registration in MFP Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional information processing systems complicate the management of image data stored in external servers, requiring users to know the storage location and manually input it on their personal computers, which is cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An information input apparatus that registers image data generated by multifunction peripherals (MFPs) in an information storage apparatus and associates the storage location with a schedule managed by an information management apparatus, allowing users to view image data by displaying the schedule, thereby eliminating the need to manually input storage locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If image data is stored in external servers, then data storage capacity is improved, but data management complexity increases and user accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a schedule management apparatus as an intermediary between the external server storing image data and the user's terminal device. This intermediary automatically manages the association between schedules and image data storage locations, eliminating the need for users to manually input or track storage locations. The schedule management apparatus receives schedule data, automatically links it with corresponding image data, and provides unified access through the calendar interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual input of storage location is required, then data security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service automation where the schedule management apparatus automatically performs the tasks of associating schedule data with image data storage locations. Instead of requiring user intervention to input storage locations, the system autonomously manages these associations through automated processes that link schedules with their corresponding image data in the background, maintaining security while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If storage location information is automatically registered, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The schedule management apparatus performs multiple functions: it manages schedule data, automatically associates image data with schedules, handles storage location registration, and provides unified access interfaces. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent achieves automatic storage location registration that improves productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3429178B1Information input apparatus, information processing system, information processing method, and carrier means
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3429178B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3429178B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3429178B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information input apparatus (70) is communicable via a network with an information processing apparatus (50) that manages request information for requesting processing from an information storage service (30) and an information display service (40). The information input apparatus (70) includes a generation unit (72) to generate data; an acquisition unit (77) to acquire the request information from the information processing apparatus (50); a first request unit (75) to request the information storage service (30) to store the data, based on the request information; and a second request unit (76) to request, based on the request information, registration of information regarding the data stored by the information storage service (30), for display of the information by the information display service (40).