Reading Device Automatic Data Deletion FTP Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing communication systems, there is a risk of unnecessary scanned image data remaining on FTP servers due to user forgetfulness, leading to storage capacity shortages and potential unauthorized access, as users often fail to delete the data within set time limits.

Innovation Solution

A reading device and communication system that automatically manage scanned image data by setting and enforcing storage time limits, including features like data deletion after a predetermined time, customizable storage times based on data type importance, and notification systems for users to re-upload deleted data, thereby preventing long-term storage of unnecessary data and ensuring secure data handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If scanned image data is uploaded to FTP server for user download, then users can access and share document data, but users may forget to delete data causing storage capacity shortage and security risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access convenienceVSAvoidstorage management reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reading device automatically monitors and deletes scanned image data from the FTP server based on predetermined storage time limits, without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the deletion process by detecting uploaded data, tracking storage duration, and automatically removing expired data to prevent storage shortages and security risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes storage time limits for scanned image data before upload occurs. By setting predetermined deletion timelines in advance and automatically enforcing them, the system prevents storage capacity shortages before they occur, rather than reacting to full storage conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If scanned image data remains on server for long time, then users can re-download data conveniently, but important information may leak to unauthorized persons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata re-download convenienceVSAvoidunauthorized access risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the storage time parameter for scanned image data based on data classification and security requirements. Different data types receive different storage durations, balancing re-download convenience with security needs. The reading device modifies storage parameters automatically according to predetermined rules associated with each data category.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to users through notifications when scanned image data is scheduled for deletion or has been deleted from the FTP server. This feedback mechanism informs users of the storage status and timing, allowing them to re-download data before deletion if needed, while maintaining security through automated enforcement of retention policies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If server implements storage time limit management, then unnecessary data is automatically deleted, but server complexity increases due to management function requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata deletion reliabilityVSAvoidserver management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage time limit management function is extracted from the server and implemented in the reading device. The reading device assumes responsibility for monitoring storage durations and deleting data from the FTP server, thereby removing the complex management burden from the server while ensuring reliable data deletion through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2211274B1Reading device and communication system
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP2211274B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2211274B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2211274B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A reading device, comprising: a reading unit configured to read a document and to generate image data representing the read document; an uploading unit configured to upload the image data read by the reading unit to an server on a network; a storage time limit setting unit configured to set a storage time limit within which the image data is stored on the server; a judgment unit configured to judge whether the storage time limit has expired with respect to the image data uploaded on the server; and a data management unit configured to delete, from the server, the image data for which the judgment unit judges that the storage time limit has expired.