Network Program Installation via Embedded Web Server Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in installing pre-stored programs for image forming apparatuses, such as printers, as they often lose the distribution media, and sharing devices in network environments requires inconvenient manual program distribution, leading to potential errors from incorrect installations.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system with a web server, storage, analysis, and installation components that automatically detects and installs necessary programs on host devices via a network, using an embedded web server to analyze host device information and control program installation, ensuring the right programs are installed efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If programs are distributed on separate media (CD/diskette), then users can obtain the necessary software, but users face the risk of losing the medium and incur inconvenience in manual installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the program source and the host device. The server stores program information and facilitates automatic program installation by communicating with both the image forming apparatus and the host device, eliminating the need for physical media while ensuring reliable program distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical media distribution (CD/diskette) with an electronic information system. Program information is transmitted digitally through the server, eliminating the need for physical media handling and manual installation processes.
2Productivity
If manual program installation is required for each user, then users can install programs on their host devices, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service program installation where the host device automatically detects its own program requirements and installs necessary programs without user intervention. The system autonomously communicates with the server to obtain and install appropriate programs, significantly reducing installation time and eliminating user errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the server pre-store program information and having the host device pre-detect its program requirements before actual installation is needed. This preparation enables rapid automatic installation when the image forming apparatus is first used or when programs need updating.
3Adaptability or versatility
If program information is stored on the image forming apparatus, then the apparatus can provide programs to users, but the apparatus requires additional storage capacity and memory resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the program storage function from the image forming apparatus and relocates it to a separate server. The image forming apparatus retains only the essential function of providing program information to the server and facilitating installation, while the server handles the bulk storage of program data, reducing the apparatus's storage requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A program installation method of an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus having a web server is connected to a host device via a network. The method includes storing programs which are used when the image forming apparatus is in use, receiving information about the host device as the web server is driven, determining whether the stored programs are installed at the host device based on analysis information which is a result of analyzing information about the host device, and installing a predetermined program of the stored programs at the host device based on the analysis information. Accordingly, the program for use with the image forming apparatus is easily installed at the host device, and also an optimal program is installed at the host device. Therefore, a wrong program installation can be prevented, and thus errors are prevented during use of the image forming apparatus.