Centralized MFP Setting Management via External Intermediary
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction peripherals (MFPs) have numerous functions but are often underutilized, and changing settings across multiple MFPs is time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring manual operation and individual configuration.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that includes devices and external devices capable of acquiring, generating, and transmitting setting information, allowing for centralized management and remote updating of settings through a network connection, using a PC app to install and manage MFP apps, facilitating collective changes across multiple MFPs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual setting change operation is performed on multiple MFPs, then each MFP can be configured individually, but time and effort increase proportionally with the number of units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple MFP setting operations into a single centralized operation. The external device acquires setting information from one MFP and transmits it to multiple other MFPs, allowing simultaneous configuration of multiple devices through one operation rather than individual manual setup of each unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external device as an intermediary between MFPs to facilitate setting information exchange. This intermediary device acts as a central hub that collects settings from one MFP and distributes them to multiple other MFPs, eliminating the need for direct manual configuration of each device
2Adaptability or versatility
If MFP includes many functions, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MFP functions by introducing a separate application layer that can be selectively activated. Instead of having all functions permanently integrated into the device, functions are organized as discrete applications that can be individually managed, enabled, or disabled based on user needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the MFP configuration dynamic by allowing functions to be added or removed through application installation and uninstallation. The device can adapt its functionality over time based on requirements, rather than having a fixed set of functions determined at manufacturing
3Adaptability or versatility
If MFP includes many functions, then versatility is improved, but ease of operation and management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The external device serves as an intermediary that simplifies management of multiple MFP functions. It provides a centralized interface for acquiring, modifying, and transmitting setting information across multiple devices, reducing the complexity of managing numerous functions across multiple units
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system includes one or more devices configured to operate based on setting information for controlling an operation; and at least one external device configured to change the setting information of the device. The external device includes circuitry configured to: acquire the setting information of the device, generate change information obtained by changing the acquired setting information, and set the change information in the device. The device includes circuitry configured to: acquire the setting information from a setting storage and transmit the acquired setting information to the external device, acquire the change information in the external device, and rewrite original setting information stored in the setting storage to the acquired change information.