Server Group-Based MFP Image Data Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mediation servers cannot transmit image data to multifunction peripherals (MFPs) other than the one that acquired the job ID, as these MFPs do not know the job ID, limiting data accessibility across different MFPs within a group.
Innovation Solution
A server system that includes a communication interface, memory, and processor, which receives group identification information and files from a terminal device, correlates device information, and transmits generated files to appropriate MFPs within a group based on authentication information, ensuring secure and group-specific data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the conventional mediation server transmits image data only to the MFP that acquired the job ID, then data security is maintained, but data accessibility across multiple MFPs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identification and authentication processes by separating the job ID acquisition function from the image data transmission function. The terminal device acquires the job ID through QR code scanning, while the server uses this job ID to identify the target MFP group and transmit image data to any MFP within that group, not just the one that acquired the ID.
Solution Approach 2:
The server is designed with multi-functionality to handle both job ID verification and group-based image data distribution. The correlation information storage mechanism allows the server to store multiple MFP identification information associated with a single job ID, enabling universal access to image data across multiple MFPs within the same group.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the server allows any MFP to receive image data, then data accessibility is improved, but unauthorized access risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The job ID serves as an intermediary element between the terminal device and the MFP group. The server uses the job ID to look up correlation information that identifies which MFPs are authorized to receive the image data. This intermediary mechanism ensures that only MFPs associated with the specific job ID can receive the data, preventing unauthorized access while enabling group-wide accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing correlation information between job IDs and MFP identification information before image data transmission occurs. The server stores the relationships between job IDs and authorized MFPs in advance, so that when image data needs to be transmitted, the server can quickly verify which MFPs are authorized without real-time complex authentication, ensuring both security and efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the server stores correlation information for multiple MFPs, then group-based transmission is enabled, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing complete MFP configuration data or large amounts of redundant information, the server stores compact correlation information that links job IDs to MFP identification information. This copied reference approach allows the server to manage multiple MFP associations efficiently without proportionally increasing memory requirements, as the correlation data structure reuses identification elements across multiple relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
In a server, a memory stores first correlation information for correlating first group identification information with both first device information assigned to a first communication device and second device information assigned to a second communication device. A first group includes the first communication device and the second communication device. In a case where device information matching the first device information and authentication information matching the first authentication information are received from the first communication device, the processor transmits to the first communication device a second file generated using a first file which is stored correlated with the first authentication information in the memory. In a case where device information matching the second device information and authentication information matching the first authentication information are received from the second communication device, the processor transmits to the second communication device the second file.