MFP Transfer Destination Control for Data Loss Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-function peripherals (MFPs) cannot guarantee the successful transfer of FAX image data to cloud services via relay systems, as they cannot verify if the data is successfully transmitted beyond the relay system, leading to potential data loss in case of failures within the cloud service or relay system.
Innovation Solution
The MFP is equipped with a processor and memory to control a user interface for designating transfer destinations, ensuring that if a relay system is set as a transfer destination, an alternative destination is also specified, thereby preventing data loss by mandating the setting of a secondary transfer destination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If FAX image data is transferred to cloud service via relay system, then transfer reliability from MFP to relay system is improved, but data loss risk increases due to inability to verify successful delivery to cloud service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring users to pre-designate an alternative transfer destination before any transfer failure can occur. This alternative destination is set in advance as a backup path, so when the relay system fails to deliver data to the cloud service, the MFP can automatically retry transfer to the alternative destination without data loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by establishing a verification mechanism where the MFP checks whether the relay system has successfully delivered data to the cloud service. When delivery confirmation is not received, the system triggers a retry to the alternative destination, creating a closed-loop feedback system that prevents data loss.
2Extent of automation
If relay system is used as transfer destination, then automated cloud service integration is improved, but user control over data destination is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the MFP capable of transferring data to multiple types of destinations - both relay systems for automated cloud integration and alternative destinations for direct control. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both automated and user-controlled transfer scenarios, giving users flexibility in choosing their preferred transfer mode.
3Device complexity
If only relay system is set as transfer destination, then system complexity is reduced, but transfer path reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the transfer destination parameter based on delivery verification results. When the relay system fails to deliver data, the system changes the destination parameter from the cloud service to the alternative destination, maintaining transfer path reliability without requiring complex system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Even in a case where a failure has occurred in a relay system or a cloud service, image data transmitted from a multi function peripheral is prevented from being lost. In an image processing apparatus that performs transfer setting of image data, at the time of a user designating a transfer destination, display control of a user interface screen is performed so that a storage server or the like other than the relay system is set as another transfer destination.