MFP User Data Sharing Without Central Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems require a server to facilitate data sharing among multiple image processing apparatuses connected to a network, limiting flexibility in system modifications and infrastructure adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An image processing system where each apparatus stores and shares registered user information, allowing data sharing without a server by transmitting and receiving user data among connected devices, enabling peer-to-peer communication and eliminating the need for a central server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a server is used to facilitate data sharing among multiple image processing apparatuses, then data sharing functionality is achieved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata sharing capabilityVSAvoidserver infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the server component from the system architecture and replaces it with peer-to-peer communication between image processing apparatuses. Each apparatus independently stores and manages user information locally, eliminating the need for a centralized server while maintaining data sharing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing apparatuses perform self-service by autonomously storing, managing, and sharing user information without requiring server intervention. Each apparatus independently handles authentication and data exchange operations, making the system self-sufficient and reducing infrastructure dependencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a server is deployed for user information management, then centralized data control is achieved, but flexibility in system modifications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata management controlVSAvoidsystem modification flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized data management function into distributed local storage across multiple image processing apparatuses. Each apparatus maintains its own user information database, allowing independent modifications and adaptations without affecting the entire system, thus enhancing flexibility while maintaining reliable data management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If registered user information is stored in multiple image processing apparatuses, then data redundancy and availability improve, but storage requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial redundancy by storing user information in multiple apparatuses only when necessary for system functionality. Not all apparatuses need to store complete user datasets, allowing the system to achieve adequate data availability without excessive storage consumption, balancing reliability and storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8169638B2Image processing system, image processing apparatus, and image processing program product suited for transmitting and receiving data among a plurality of image processing apparatuses

Publication Date: 2012.05.01 KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECH INC

AI summary

In order to share user identification information among a plurality of MFPs without using a server, each of a plurality of MFPs forming an image processing system stores in a HDD registered user information which at least includes the user identification information for identifying a user, requests another MFP to transmit registered user information stored in the HDD provided in that MFP, receives the registered user information transmitted by that MFP according to the request made by a request portion, and stores in the HDD user data that at least includes the received registered user information.