Resource Reservation System Web Interface for Terminal Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing resource reservation systems lack the ability for administrators to easily change communication settings for information processing terminals installed in resources like meeting rooms, particularly in scenarios where terminals malfunction or are lost, leading to potential information leakage and operational inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A resource reservation system that includes an information processing apparatus and terminal capable of managing reservation information, allowing administrators to change communication settings through a user interface, enabling the registration and management of terminals, and controlling their communication based on predefined settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the information processing terminal is registered in the information processing apparatus using a code reading method, then the registration process is simplified, but the administrator cannot easily change communication settings for the terminal after installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregistration processVSAvoidcommunication setting changeability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the terminal identification function (code reading) from the communication setting management function. The terminal has a unique identification code that can be read for registration, while the communication settings are independently managed through a web interface on the information processing apparatus, allowing administrators to modify settings without re-registering the terminal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A web interface acts as an intermediary between the administrator and the communication settings. The administrator accesses the information processing apparatus through a web browser to view and modify communication settings for registered terminals, eliminating the need for direct terminal manipulation while maintaining control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the information processing terminal remains connected to the information processing apparatus, then continuous service is maintained, but information leakage risk increases when the terminal is lost or malfunctioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidinformation leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication connection between the terminal and information processing apparatus is made dynamic rather than static. Administrators can change communication settings in real-time to disconnect specific terminals while maintaining connections for other terminals, allowing flexible response to security incidents or malfunctions without affecting overall system availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different connection states to different terminals individually. Each terminal can have its communication setting independently changed to either connected or disconnected state, allowing selective disconnection of problematic terminals while maintaining service continuity for healthy terminals in the same system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple information processing terminals are installed in a meeting room for continuous service, then service availability is improved, but the complexity of managing communication settings for each terminal increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidcommunication setting management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as a server for reservation information, a registration system for terminals, and a communication setting management system for multiple terminals. The web interface provides a unified access point for managing all terminals in a meeting room, eliminating the need for separate management systems for each terminal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the management of multiple terminals into a single centralized interface. The administrator manages communication settings for all terminals in a meeting room through one web interface on the information processing apparatus, rather than accessing each terminal separately, significantly reducing management complexity while supporting multiple terminals for service continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11551162B2Resource reservation system, registration terminal, and setting method

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A resource reservation system includes an information processing apparatus and an information processing terminal. The information processing apparatus includes a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to transmit reservation information of a resource to the information processing terminal, store a communication setting of the information processing terminal associated with the resource, generate a first web page that displays the communication setting of the information processing terminal and that is displayed by a registration terminal, and receive a change in the communication setting of the information processing terminal. The change in the communication setting is made on the first web page displayed by the registration terminal. The second processor switches whether to transmit the reservation information in accordance with the communication setting of the information processing terminal, in response to a request from the information processing terminal.