Unified Device Report Generation for Image Forming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information processing devices, such as image forming devices, require users to access and collect device information from both the image forming device and relay devices separately for maintenance, leading to inefficiencies in communication function troubleshooting and increased maintenance costs due to the close dependence between these devices.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device with a first acquisition control unit for acquiring its own setting information, a communication unit for communicating with a relay device, a second acquisition control unit for acquiring relay device setting information, a generation unit for merging the information, and an output unit for generating and outputting comprehensive report data, thereby reducing dependence and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users access and collect device information from both image forming devices and relay devices separately for maintenance, then comprehensive device information can be obtained, but maintenance time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines device information from the image forming device and relay device into a single unified report. The report includes both the image forming device information (device ID, model name, IP address) and relay device information (device ID, model name, connection status) in one document, eliminating the need for separate information collection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the image forming device automatically obtains and includes relay device information in its report. This is achieved through API calls or web scraping functionality that retrieves relay device data and integrates it into the unified report structure.
2Loss of information
If users access and collect device information from both image forming devices and relay devices separately for maintenance, then comprehensive device information can be obtained, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the information collection process for both devices into a single automated operation. Users only need to trigger one report generation command, and the system automatically collects image forming device information, relay device information, and combines them into a unified report.
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming device performs self-service by automatically obtaining its own information and the relay device information without requiring user intervention for separate access. The system autonomously executes API calls or web scraping to retrieve relay device data and integrates it into the report.
3Reliability
If comprehensive testing is performed to ensure proper functioning of both image forming devices and relay devices, then system reliability improves, but testing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary information collection and validation before actual maintenance activities. By gathering and validating device information in advance through automated API calls and web scraping, the system identifies potential issues before they affect operations, reducing the need for extensive testing during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified report provides feedback on the status of both image forming devices and relay devices in one document. This includes connection status, device identifiers, and other critical information that allows users to quickly assess system health and identify issues without performing comprehensive manual testing.
Data Source
AI summary
To improve an output function of an information processing device, the information processing device includes a first acquisition control unit configured to acquire first setting information which is setting information of the own device; a communication unit configured to communicate with a relay device via a network; a second acquisition control unit configured to acquire second setting information which is setting information of the relay device via the network; a generation unit configured to generate report data by merging the first setting information and the second setting information; and an output unit configured to output the report data.