MFP User Settings Distribution Without File Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems require a file server to customize operation settings across multiple connected devices, limiting flexibility in system modifications when new devices are added to a network.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an image processing system where each device stores user information and can request and share personal settings with other devices on the network, allowing customization without the need for a server, through input, determination, read, and control portions for user identification and personal information management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a file server is used to store and manage shared setting files for user authentication, then user customization across multiple image processing apparatuses can be achieved, but system complexity increases and flexibility for adding new apparatuses decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the file server component from the system, allowing image processing apparatuses to store and manage user authentication information and shared setting files locally in their own storage units. This eliminates the need for a centralized server while maintaining user customization capabilities across multiple apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
Each image processing apparatus is equipped with the capability to independently authenticate users and provide customized settings without requiring external server assistance. The apparatuses self-manage their own user information databases and setting files, enabling autonomous operation while maintaining system-wide consistency.
2Reliability
If a file server is required for managing user settings, then centralized control is achieved, but ease of operation for system modifications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized user management functionality is segmented and distributed to individual image processing apparatuses. Each apparatus maintains its own storage unit with local copies of user authentication information and shared setting files, allowing independent modification without affecting other apparatuses or requiring server intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Each image processing apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions including user authentication, setting file management, and customization provision, previously handled by a dedicated file server. This multi-functionality enables any apparatus to serve as both a client and a potential server, simplifying system modifications.
3Stability of the object's composition
If network address configuration is required for newly connected apparatuses to access the file server, then server-based architecture is maintained, but adaptability to system changes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the file server from the system architecture, eliminating the need for network address configuration and server access protocols. Image processing apparatuses directly access user information and setting files through their own storage units, enabling dynamic addition or removal of apparatuses without configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static server-based architecture to a dynamic peer-to-peer structure where any image processing apparatus can independently provide and access user settings. This dynamic structure allows apparatuses to be added or removed from the network without requiring reconfiguration or server intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system includes a plurality of MFPs (Multi Function Peripheral) connected to a network, and each of the plurality of MFPs is provided with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) to store registered user information associating user identification information for identifying a user and personal information related to that user, and when the user identification information is inputted, it determines whether the personal information associated with the user identification information is stored in the HDD or not, and if the personal information is stored, the personal information is read from the HDD, and if the personal information is not stored, it transmits a personal information transmission request including the user identification information to another MFP, and receives the personal information from the MFP that stores the registered user information including the user identification information, and controls a prescribed apparatus operation based on the read or received personal information.