Multi-Box Data Distribution in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing data processing systems for image forming apparatuses limit users to designating only one box as a recording destination per job, requiring repetitive operations to save data in multiple boxes, inefficiently using memory resources and increasing user burden.
Innovation Solution
A job processing method that allows users to designate multiple boxes as recording destinations through a user interface, enabling simple operation for distributing and saving job data across multiple boxes, with the system managing shortcuts to efficiently use memory by storing job information differently in each box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conventional box function is used where only one box can be designated as a recording destination by one job, then the system is simple to implement, but the user burden increases and operability deteriorates when multiple boxes need to be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the job data into multiple parts and distributes them across multiple boxes. Instead of storing one complete job in a single box, the system divides the job into segments that can be stored in different boxes, allowing users to access portions of jobs from multiple locations without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional box system where boxes can serve multiple purposes: storing complete jobs, storing segments of jobs, and being accessed by multiple users simultaneously. This universal approach allows the same box infrastructure to handle various storage scenarios without requiring separate systems for each case.
2Reliability
If the same image data is stored in multiple boxes with different job information, then each box has its own job information, but memory resources are wasted due to repetitive storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying to create references to the same image data across multiple boxes rather than storing duplicate copies. Each box contains a reference or pointer to the original image data, allowing multiple boxes to access the same data without actually duplicating it in memory, thus conserving resources while maintaining data accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as a central storage area or reference system) that manages image data shared across multiple boxes. This intermediary allows different boxes to access the same image data through controlled references, eliminating the need for each box to maintain its own complete copy of the data.
3Productivity
If a user must repeat the same operation multiple times to save data in multiple boxes, then the system maintains data integrity, but productivity decreases due to repetitive operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple boxes as valid recording destinations before the user initiates the save operation. The system prepares the multi-box environment in advance, so when the user wants to save data to multiple boxes, the infrastructure is already in place and the user simply needs to select the boxes without repeating the entire configuration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple save operations into a single unified operation. Instead of requiring separate save operations for each box, the system combines the functionality to allow one job to be distributed to multiple boxes simultaneously, reducing the number of user actions required while maintaining data integrity across all destinations.
Data Source
AI summary
An object of this invention is to improve user friendliness of the box function. In a system having a storage means capable of storing data in a plurality of data storage boxes including first and second boxes, when the first job data transmitted without performing any predetermined operation by the user in the data generation apparatus is stored in the storage means, acceptance of a process request for the first job data from the first user via the first display associated with the first box on a user interface is permitted. When the second job data transmitted after performing the predetermined operation by the user is stored in the storage means, acceptance of a process request for the second job data from the first user via the first display associated with the first box on the user interface is permitted. In addition, acceptance of a process request for the second job data from the second user via the second display associated with the second box on the user interface is permitted.