Network-Based Data Migration for Image Forming Apparatuses

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In information processing systems, such as image forming apparatuses, data migration between new and old devices is hindered when users cannot utilize external memory for security reasons, leading to increased setup burdens and time for workers due to the need for manual reconfiguration of settings.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system comprising a first and second information processing apparatus, a server, and a user terminal, where the first apparatus exports data with added identification information via short-range wireless communication to the server, and the server stores and transmits this data to the second apparatus for import, eliminating the need for external memory and ensuring secure data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external memory is used for data migration, then data transfer between devices is enabled, but security protection is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata migration capabilityVSAvoidsecurity risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives data from the old information processing device and transmits it to the new device. This mediator enables data migration without requiring direct external memory connections, thus maintaining security while achieving the migration objective. The server acts as a secure bridge between the two devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical external memory system with a network-based data transmission system. Instead of using USB memories or other external storage devices that require physical connection and handling, the system uses network communication protocols to transfer data, eliminating the security risks associated with external memory while preserving migration functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If manual reconfiguration of settings is performed, then data migration is achieved without external memory, but setup time and worker burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity riskVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs data migration and configuration transfer in advance, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration during setup. The old device transmits its settings and data to the server, which then automatically provisionsthe new device with the same configurations, saving significant setup time and reducing worker burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The data migration system operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention for each configuration item. The old information processing device automatically exports its settings, the server processes the data, and the new device automatically imports and applies the configurations, creating a self-service migration process that reduces both time and human effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If external memory is prohibited for security reasons, then security protection is maintained, but data migration between devices becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity riskVSAvoiddata migration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The server provides a universal data migration service that works across different information processing devices without requiring device-specific external memory connections. The network-based approach is universally applicable to various device types and configurations, maintaining both security and migration capability across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The server serves as a universal intermediary that enables data migration between any compliant devices in the network without requiring external memory. This mediator approach maintains security policies while providing universal migration capability across different device types and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11070696B2Information processing system

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An information processing system includes a first information processing apparatus of a data migration source (first apparatus), a second information processing apparatus of a data migration destination (second apparatus), a server communicable with the first and second apparatuses via a network and a user terminal communicable with the first and second apparatuses by short range wireless communication and communicable with the server via the network. The first apparatus starts export of migrating data by communication with the user terminal and transmits the migrating data having data identification information to the server. The server stores the received migrating data. The second apparatus starts import of the migrating data by communication with the user terminal. The server reads out the migrating data on the basis of the data identification information and transmits the migrating data to the second apparatus. The second apparatus stores the received migrating data.