Task Management Server Reduces MFP Resource Consumption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing task execution systems require high-performance operating systems to manage task execution on other electronic devices, leading to excessive resource consumption, particularly in devices with limited specifications like multifunction peripherals (MFPs).

Innovation Solution

An execution control device and program that register, manage, and delete tasks on a task starting system, allowing a user terminal to control an MFP's task execution without the need for high-performance operating systems, using a control section and storage section to operate as a task registration, execution termination determining, and task deletion section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a high-performance operating system is used to manage task execution on other electronic devices, then task execution capability is improved, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask execution capabilityVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a task management server as an intermediary between the user terminal and the MFP. The server handles task registration, management, and execution monitoring, allowing the MFP to execute tasks without requiring a high-performance operating system. The server acts as a mediator that provides the complex task management functionality externally, enabling resource-constrained devices to perform advanced tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The MFP is designed to autonomously execute registered tasks without requiring continuous external control or a complex operating system. The device can independently manage its own task execution based on registrations from the task management server, reducing the need for high-performance local processing while maintaining task execution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a high-performance operating system is installed on MFP to enable task execution, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask execution functionalityVSAvoidoperating system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The task management server externalizes the complex operating system functionality, providing task management capabilities without requiring the MFP to run a complex OS. The server handles the complexity of task scheduling, registration, and management, allowing the MFP to maintain simplicity while gaining enhanced functionality through the intermediary service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments task management functionality from the MFP hardware and relocates it to a separate task management server. This segmentation allows the MFP to remain simple and dedicated to execution, while the complex management functions reside on the server, reducing device complexity at the MFP while preserving functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote task execution is enabled through local-task and remote-task system, then task execution capability is improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote task execution capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex local-task/remote-task agent system with a simpler task management server intermediary. The server receives task execution requests from user terminals, manages task registrations, and coordinates with MFPs directly, eliminating the need for complex data transmission agents and shared memory buffers while maintaining remote task execution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The task management server provides universal task management functionality that can handle multiple types of tasks and communicate with various MFPs through a standardized interface. This multi-functional server replaces the need for device-specific remote execution systems, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10203983B2Execution control device that causes other electronic device to execute task, non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that includes execution control program, and task execution system

Publication Date: 2019.02.12 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An execution control device as an electronic device causes a task starting system to execute a task. The task starting system is provided in a task starting device and starts tasks in turn. The task starting device is another electronic device. The execution control device includes a control section and a storage section. The control section governs over all operation controls of the execution control device. The storage section stores an execution control program designed for causing the task starting system to execute the task. The control section operates as a task registration section that registers with the task starting system the task executable by the task starting system by operating the execution control program stored in the storage section.