Staggered Access Timing for Image Forming Apparatus Server Overload
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems where multiple image forming apparatuses connect to a server to update setting information simultaneously, there is a risk of connection failures due to simultaneous access at the same acquisition date and time, leading to potential server overload and connection failures.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a controller that updates setting data by transmitting an acquisition request to a file server at a time different from the specified access time, using access time information stored in the setting data, thereby avoiding simultaneous access and reducing server overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple image forming apparatuses transmit acquisition requests to the server at the same acquisition date and time, then the setting information can be updated efficiently and simultaneously, but connection failures occur due to server overload and simultaneous access conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simultaneous access of multiple image forming apparatuses into individual, sequential access by introducing unique delay times for each apparatus. The controller calculates a specific delay period based on the apparatus's identification information, causing each device to access the server at a different time point. This segmentation resolves the server overload issue while maintaining the automated update function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic delay times that vary for each image forming apparatus based on its identification information. Instead of a fixed simultaneous access time, the system dynamically adjusts the acquisition time for each device, creating a staggered access pattern that prevents server overload while ensuring all devices eventually receive updates.
2Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus transmits the acquisition request at the specified access time, then the setting information is updated according to the scheduled time, but the server may become overloaded when multiple apparatuses access simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each image forming apparatus a unique delay time characteristic based on its identification information. While all apparatuses follow the same update schedule framework, each device has a locally adjusted access time that distributes the server load. This allows the system to maintain scheduled updates while preventing server overload through individualized timing adjustments.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple image forming apparatuses update setting information simultaneously, then the configuration can be synchronized across all devices, but connection failures occur due to simultaneous access at the same acquisition date and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by maintaining the scheduled update timing framework while introducing periodic variations through unique delay times for each apparatus. Each device periodically accesses the server according to its calculated delay time, ensuring configuration synchronization is achieved over time without the harmful effects of simultaneous access. The periodic nature is preserved but the phase is shifted for each device.
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus according to the present disclosures is configured to transmit, to a file server, an acquisition request for an updating data file at a time different from an access time, which is indicated by access time information of a setting file, by a particular time and update a content of the setting file by the acquired updating data file.