Network Management Device for Image Forming Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing multiple network interfaces of image forming devices connected to a network as a single entity is challenging, as existing systems require individual management of each interface, leading to complexity in centralized management.
Innovation Solution
A management device that requests and compares identification information from multiple network interfaces to determine if they belong to the same image forming device, allowing for integrated management by recognizing identical identification information combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual management of each network interface is implemented, then management precision of each interface is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple network interfaces into a single management entity by using a common device ID. The management device collects identification information from each network interface, determines they belong to the same image forming device through matching device IDs, and then manages them collectively. This merging approach maintains the ability to identify individual interfaces while simplifying overall management structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal management approach where a single management device can handle multiple network interfaces from different image forming devices through a standardized interface. The management device uses a common protocol and data structure (device ID, interface ID pairs) to universally manage diverse network interfaces, making the management system adaptable and scalable.
2Productivity
If centralized management of multiple image forming devices is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of multiple network interfaces into a unified centralized system. By using device IDs to group interfaces belonging to the same image forming device, the system enables centralized control while maintaining organized structure. This allows administrators to manage multiple devices through a single interface, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The management device acts as an intermediary between network administrators and multiple image forming devices. It collects identification information from various interfaces, processes the data to determine device ownership, and presents unified management capabilities. This intermediary role simplifies the complexity by abstracting the underlying interface diversity behind a standardized management layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A managing device includes an identification information requesting unit that requests each network interface for the identification information of all the network interfaces belonging to the image forming device via the network, and an identification information receiving unit that receives reply information from the each network interface in response to the identification information request. When the identification information receiving unit receives a plurality of pieces of the identification information, an identification information equivalency judging unit judges whether a combination of the plurality of pieces of the identification information received from one of the plurality of network interfaces is identical to another combination of the plurality of pieces of the identification information received from another of the plurality of network interfaces. When the combinations are determined to be identical to each other, a managing unit manages the network interfaces as ones belonging to the same image forming device.