Unified Device Registration for Multi-Function Data Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems require complex user operations to manage and control devices with multiple functions, such as printers and scanners, as users need to store information for each type of process performed by these devices, leading to increased operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A data processing apparatus and method that allows for the registration and control of devices with multiple functions through a single interface, where devices can be registered for multiple functions simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple registrations and simplifying user operations by storing default device settings for each function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device with multiple functions is registered separately for each function type, then complete device information is stored for each process, but user operational complexity increases and the number of registration steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple function-specific device registrations into a single unified device registration process. When a device is registered, its information is automatically stored for all functions it supports, eliminating the need for separate registrations for each function type while maintaining complete device information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal device registration mechanism that handles multiple functions simultaneously. The system identifies devices with multiple functions and automatically associates them with all supported process types through a single registration operation, enabling one device to serve multiple functions without requiring multiple separate registrations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate device registration is performed for each function type, then specific device settings can be optimized for each process, but the number of registration steps and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically storing device information for all supported functions during the initial single registration process. The system proactively identifies which functions the device supports and pre-associates the device with those functions, eliminating the need for users to perform separate registration actions for each function later.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining which functions a device supports and handling the multi-function registration without requiring user intervention for each function. The device registration process autonomously completes the association with all applicable functions, reducing user workload and registration time.
3Ease of operation
If multiple device registrations are required for multi-functional devices, then precise control over each function is achieved, but device management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal device management approach where a single device registration enables control over multiple functions. The system maintains a unified view of multi-functional devices, allowing users to manage all functions of a device through a single registration entry rather than multiple separate registrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the management of multiple functions into a single device registration framework. Instead of maintaining separate registration records for each function, the system combines them into one unified registration that automatically encompasses all functions the device supports, simplifying the overall device management structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A data processing apparatus includes a memory, an accepting unit for accepting an instruction to perform one of a first process and a second process from a user, the second process being different from the first process, and a controller. The controller is configured to: determine a candidate device from among at least one device, the candidate device possessing a first function that is used for performing the first process; register the candidate device as a first device to be used for performing the first process; register the candidate device as a second device to be used for performing the second process, the second process being different from the first process; and control the first device to perform the first process when the accepting unit accepts the instruction to perform the first process and control the second device to perform the second process when the accepting unit accepts the instruction to perform the second process.