Sheet Management System Automatic Device Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print systems require users to manually enter IP address information for sheet management, which can be inconvenient, especially for directly connected information processing apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A sheet management system that allows identification of the sheet management destination based on entry of IP address information and also enables identification without entering IP address information, using a configuration with a first information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a local area network and a second information processing apparatus connected via a network, allowing seamless communication and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sheet management is performed from any terminal on the network by entering IP address information, then sheet management can be performed remotely from any information processing apparatus, but it becomes bothersome to manually enter IP address information for apparatuses whose sheet management destination can be specified in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The directly connected information processing apparatus automatically performs sheet management without requiring manual IP address entry. The system enables the apparatus to identify and connect to the image forming apparatus automatically through direct connection, eliminating the need for users to manually input address information while maintaining remote management capabilities for other terminals
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides different connection methods based on the local characteristics of each information processing apparatus. Directly connected apparatuses use automatic identification through local connection, while other network terminals use IP address-based remote connection, optimizing the user experience for each specific scenario
2Ease of operation
If only a directly connected information processing apparatus performs sheet management, then the system is simple to implement, but it reduces user convenience as sheet management should be performable from any information processing apparatus on the network
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet management application is designed to be universally accessible from any information processing apparatus on the network. The system maintains a unified sheet management functionality that can be accessed both from directly connected apparatuses and remote terminals, enabling multi-functionality without requiring separate management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The directly connected information processing apparatus serves as an intermediary that bridges between the image forming apparatus and other network terminals. It receives sheet management information from the image forming apparatus and makes it available to remote terminals, enabling network-wide access while maintaining system simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet management system includes an image forming apparatus and first and second information processing apparatuses to communicate with the image forming apparatus. The first information processing apparatus includes a first LAN interface connected to the image forming apparatus, a second LAN interface connected to a network, and a first display to display information. To display a screen for performing sheet management on the first display, the first information processing apparatus obtains device information of the image forming apparatus based on information on an apparatus connected via the first LAN interface. The second information processing apparatus includes a third. LAN interface connected to the network and a second display to display information. To display a screen for performing sheet management on the second display, the second information processing apparatus obtains device information of the image forming apparatus via the third LAN interface using address information entered by a user.