Device Management Server for Sensorless Printer Environment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices without environmental sensors require external information for effective control, which is not feasible without a dedicated configuration for each device.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a device management server to acquire environmental information from equipped devices and weather forecasting to control settings of unsensored devices, including parameter changes and air conditioner adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If environmental sensors are installed in each image forming device to enable environmental control, then control accuracy and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A device management server acts as an intermediary between equipped devices (with sensors) and unsensored devices. The server collects environmental information from equipped devices and distributes this information to unsensored devices, enabling environmental control without requiring sensors in each individual device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device management server provides a universal solution that serves multiple functions: collecting environmental data from equipped devices, processing this data, and distributing control instructions to both equipped and unsensored devices. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for duplicate sensor installations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If environmental sensors are installed in each image forming device, then environmental control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device management server serves as a centralized intermediary that consolidates environmental sensing capabilities. Instead of manufacturing sensors into every device, the server collects environmental data once and distributes it to all devices, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Environmental information obtained from equipped devices is copied and distributed to unsensored devices. This allows unsensored devices to access environmental data without physically containing sensors, achieving environmental control capability without the associated manufacturing costs.
3Ease of operation
If each device acquires external environmental information independently, then control autonomy is improved, but system complexity and information loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges environmental information acquisition and distribution functions into a centralized device management server. Equipped devices share their sensor data with the server, which then provides this consolidated information to unsensored devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining operational autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device management server establishes a feedback loop where environmental information flows from equipped devices to the server and then to unsensored devices. This feedback mechanism ensures all devices operate with current environmental data without requiring independent acquisition systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to perform a process including acquiring relevant information related to setting of a first device that needs to be changed depending on an environment from a device other than the first device, the first device not being capable of detecting predetermined device environment information, and controlling the first device by using the acquired relevant information.