Restriction Information Sharing in Image Forming Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems for image forming apparatuses lack efficient mechanisms to manage and share restriction information across multiple devices, leading to increased communication load and potential mismanagement of user permissions and usage limits.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a memory storing identification and restriction information, and a receiving and notifying unit that dynamically updates and shares restriction information between image forming apparatuses, allowing for efficient management of user permissions and usage limits without broadcast transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If restriction information is shared through broadcast transmission, then all apparatuses can access restriction information, but communication load increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to restriction informationVSAvoidcommunication load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the restriction information from a broadcast model and places it in a targeted request-response model. Instead of all apparatuses receiving all restriction information via broadcast, each apparatus only receives restriction information specifically requested from the apparatus that holds it, eliminating unnecessary communication overhead while ensuring reliable access when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an identification information mechanism as an intermediary. When apparatus A needs restriction information from apparatus B, it first requests and receives identification information, then uses this to directly request the specific restriction information. This intermediary step enables precise targeting and avoids the energy waste of broad broadcast transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If restriction information is stored locally in each apparatus, then access is fast, but synchronization and accuracy across the system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess speedVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where apparatuses can request restriction information from other apparatuses that hold the authoritative copy. When apparatus A needs updated restriction information, it requests it from apparatus B (identified through the identification information exchange), ensuring that the latest accurate information is obtained while maintaining fast local access for routine operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by storing identification information locally in advance. Instead of performing full restriction information exchanges frequently, each apparatus stores the identification information of other apparatuses beforehand, enabling quick and accurate retrieval of specific restriction information only when needed, thus maintaining both speed and synchronization accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If identification information is exchanged between apparatuses, then accurate sharing of restriction information is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of information sharingVSAvoidinformation exchange mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a single identification information exchange mechanism that serves multiple functions: it enables accurate identification of which apparatus holds specific restriction information, facilitates targeted requests for restriction information, and maintains a record for future communications. This multi-functional approach achieves accurate information sharing without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9710405B2Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and non-transitory computer readable medium to share restriction information with other information processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a memory, a receiving unit, and a notifying unit. The memory is used to store identification information of an information processing apparatus having restriction information. The restriction information indicates restriction imposed on multiple information processing apparatuses including the information processing apparatus including the memory. The receiving unit receives a request for the restriction information from an information processing apparatus different from the information processing apparatus including the memory. When the identification information stored in the memory indicates the information processing including the memory, the notifying unit notifies the restriction information to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the request. When the identification information indicates an information processing apparatus different from the information processing apparatus including the memory, the notifying unit notifies the identification information to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the request.