Information Processing Apparatus Setting Data Format Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

When replacing image forming apparatuses, transferring old specification-compliant setting data to a new apparatus is challenging due to differences in data structures and communication interfaces, leading to potential overwriting or deletion of existing new specification-compliant setting data.

Innovation Solution

The information processing apparatus is equipped with a processor that converts old specification-compliant setting data into a new format compatible with the new apparatus, preventing overwriting of existing data by restricting the registration of old specification-compliant data once new specification-compliant data is registered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If old specification-compliant setting data is transferred to a new apparatus, then data compatibility and ease of migration are improved, but the risk of overwriting or corrupting existing new specification-compliant data increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata compatibilityVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the presence of new specification-compliant setting data before allowing import of old specification data. The processor checks whether new spec data exists in the storage unit, and only permits old spec data import when no new spec data is present, preventing potential conflicts before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary between old specification data and new specification data. It mediates the import process by converting old specification setting data to new specification format, and controls the registration process to prevent direct interaction that could cause data corruption or overwriting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If automatic conversion from old specification to new specification is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer convenienceVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service functionality by automatically detecting the specification format of incoming setting data and performing conversion to new specification format without user intervention. The processor autonomously determines whether conversion is needed and executes the conversion process, reducing manual effort while managing complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion process involves changing parameters of the setting data from old specification format to new specification format. The processor modifies data structure parameters, format parameters, and compatibility parameters to transform old spec data into new spec data while preserving the essential setting information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11175865B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: a memory; and a processor configured to receive setting data that is used for an operation of the information processing apparatus, and upon a determination that the received setting data is formatted according to an old specification and the information processing apparatus has no setting data registered, convert and store the received setting data in a new format in the memory.