{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854122","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854122","title":"Image forming apparatus, data management method, and storage medium","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-10-17T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":24,"abstract":"An image forming apparatus includes a state management unit that shifts an authentication state from a non-login state to a login state, a storage unit that stores setting information, and a data management unit that, in a case where a free space of the storage unit is less than a threshold value, deletes the setting information stored in the storage unit at a timing of shifting from the non-login state to the login state and secure a free space greater than or equal to the threshold value in the storage unit."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Image Forming Apparatus, Data Management Method, and Storage Medium patent introduces an innovative approach to managing data within image forming systems, ensuring optimal performance even when storage space is limited. The patent addresses the problem of data congestion and performance degradation in image forming devices due to insufficient storage. It achieves this through an intelligent data management system that includes a state management unit, a storage unit, and a data management unit. The data management unit monitors storage space and automatically deletes less critical setting information when the space falls below a predefined threshold, specifically during the transition from a non-login state to a login state. This approach minimizes disruption and ensures that the system can secure enough free space to operate effectively. The business value lies in improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced user experience. This technology has significant market potential in any industry that relies on image forming apparatuses, offering a scalable and sustainable solution for managing storage resources. The patent represents a practical and effective solution to a common challenge in image forming technology.","layman_explanation":"The Image Forming Apparatus, Data Management Method, and Storage Medium patent addresses the common problem of limited storage space in devices like printers and scanners. When these devices run out of storage, they become slow and inefficient, causing frustration for users. Existing solutions often involve manually deleting files, which is time-consuming and inconvenient.\n\nThis patent offers an automated solution. It's like having a smart assistant that manages the storage space for you. The system monitors how much space is available and automatically deletes less important files when necessary. This happens behind the scenes, without requiring any action from the user. The key is that the system only deletes files when the device is transitioning between states, such as when someone logs in, minimizing any disruption.\n\nThis technology matters because it improves the overall efficiency and user experience of image forming devices. By automating the data management process, it reduces the need for manual intervention and ensures that the device always has enough storage space to operate smoothly. This can lead to increased productivity and reduced downtime. The potential market impact is significant, as it can be applied to a wide range of devices and industries. The competitive advantage lies in its ability to provide a seamless and automated solution to a common problem. The potential ROI is high, as it can save time and money by improving efficiency and reducing downtime.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be further enhanced with machine learning to predict storage needs and proactively manage data. Market adoption is expected to increase as more users and businesses recognize the benefits of automated data management. The investment implications are positive, as it offers a scalable and sustainable solution for managing storage resources.","technical_analysis":"The Image Forming Apparatus, Data Management Method, and Storage Medium patent provides a detailed system for optimizing data management in image forming devices. The system architecture consists of three main components: the state management unit, the storage unit, and the data management unit. The state management unit handles the authentication states, transitioning the system between login and non-login states. The storage unit is responsible for storing the setting information required for the image forming apparatus to function. The data management unit is the core of the innovation; it monitors the free space of the storage unit and, when the space falls below a predefined threshold, initiates the process of deleting less critical setting information. The algorithm used by the data management unit is designed to prioritize the deletion of less critical data, ensuring that essential settings are retained. Implementation involves setting an appropriate threshold value to balance storage optimization with the risk of unnecessary data deletion. The system can be integrated with existing image forming devices through software updates and API calls. Performance characteristics include improved storage efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced system responsiveness. Code-level implications involve implementing the data management algorithm and integrating it with the device's operating system.","business_analysis":"The Image Forming Apparatus, Data Management Method, and Storage Medium patent addresses a significant market need for improved data management in image forming devices. The market opportunity is substantial, as many industries rely on these devices for various tasks. The competitive advantages of this technology include its ability to automatically manage data, reduce downtime, and enhance user experience. The revenue potential lies in licensing the technology to manufacturers of image forming devices or offering it as a software update to existing devices. Potential business models include licensing fees, subscription services, and per-device charges. The strategic positioning involves targeting markets where data management is critical, such as healthcare, finance, and government. ROI projections indicate a significant return on investment due to increased efficiency and reduced downtime. This technology offers a scalable and sustainable solution for managing storage resources, making it an attractive investment opportunity.","faqs":null,"topics":["image forming apparatus","data management","storage medium","patent","technology","image","forming","apparatus"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Image Forming Apparatus - Data Management Patent US-9854122","description":"Discover the Image Forming Apparatus, Data Management Method, and Storage Medium patent for efficient data handling. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["image forming apparatus","data management","storage medium","patent","technology","innovation","login state","data optimization","patent US-9854122"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854122","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854122","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Image forming apparatus, data management method, and storage medium\" (US-9854122). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854122","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854122","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854122","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T05:07:51.621Z"}