Remote Management Server for Image Formers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing image forming apparatuses at remote distances are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring manual installation of agent key files and resulting in downtime during the mapping process, which complicates the management of multiple devices across different networks.
Innovation Solution
A management server and device system that uses a storage unit to store client group information, a communication interface to receive management device identification, and a mapping unit to automatically map client groups with management devices, allowing for remote management without the need for separate agent key file generation or installation, enabling real-time data collection and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual installation of agent key files is used to map management device with client group, then mapping can be established, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The management device automatically performs self-registration with the management server by transmitting its device identifier and receiving automatic mapping to a client group, eliminating the need for manual agent key file installation and reducing mapping time while ensuring reliable mapping establishment
Solution Approach 2:
The management server stores client group information in advance in its storage unit, enabling rapid automatic mapping when the management device connects, thus reducing the time required for mapping establishment while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If manual agent key file installation is performed, then mapping is achieved, but operational downtime occurs during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The management device autonomously completes the mapping process by automatically transmitting its identifier to the management server and receiving client group assignment, eliminating manual intervention and operational downtime while ensuring reliable mapping
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of agent key file installation is replaced with an automated electronic communication process where the management device transmits data and receives mapping information electronically, eliminating downtime and improving productivity
3Reliability
If conventional mapping method is used, then management device can be mapped with client group, but the process must be repeated whenever connection changes
Solution Approach 1:
The management device automatically re-registers with the management server whenever connection changes occur, maintaining reliable mapping without requiring manual intervention, thus improving ease of operation while preserving mapping reliability
4Loss of time
If automatic mapping is implemented, then mapping time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management device performs automatic self-registration by transmitting its identifier and receiving client group mapping information from the management server, reducing mapping time while maintaining manageable system complexity through straightforward automated protocols
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Management server is provided. The management server includes a storage unit to store information about a plurality of client groups, a communication interface unit to receive management device identification information from a management device at remote distance connected to at least one image forming apparatus, a mapping unit to map at least one from among the plurality of client groups with the management device based on the received management device identification information, and a control unit to transmit an activation command to the mapped management device, the activation command directing the management device mapped with the client group to collect the information about the connected image forming apparatus.