Terminal Data Collection for Image Forming Fault Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming systems, the operational environment data of terminal apparatuses is difficult to obtain when print faults occur, especially in shared systems where data storage is limited for security reasons, making it challenging to identify the cause of print faults.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that collects operational environment data when a predetermined transmission condition is met and transmits it to an image forming apparatus via a network, allowing for the identification of potential faults and their causes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operational environment data is stored on terminal apparatuses in shared systems, then fault identification capability is improved, but security risks and data storage limitations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts operational environment data from terminal apparatuses and stores it externally on the image forming apparatus. This extraction resolves the contradiction by removing data from the secure but storage-limited terminal environment to a more secure and spacious external storage location, enabling both improved fault identification and maintained security.
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming apparatus serves as an intermediary between terminal apparatuses and fault analysis. It collects operational data from terminals, stores it securely, and provides it for fault analysis without requiring terminals to maintain their own data storage, thus resolving the security and storage limitation issues while enabling fault identification.
2Measurement precision
If operational environment data is collected and transmitted, then fault cause identification is improved, but network communication requirements and system complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus performs multiple functions: it serves as a printer/copier while simultaneously acting as a data collection point, storage device, and fault analysis resource. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating data handling capabilities into an existing device, avoiding additional system complexity while enabling improved fault identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the image forming apparatus's own resources (storage, processing) to handle operational data from terminals. Instead of requiring separate dedicated fault analysis infrastructure, the system leverages existing apparatus capabilities, thus improving fault identification without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a collecting unit that, when a predetermined transmission condition is established after a start of an operation of the information processing apparatus, collects information related to an operational environment of the information processing apparatus, and a transmitting unit that transmits the collected information to an image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus via a network.