System and method for forming a cluster of networked devices
US7634551B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N2201/0094
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method are provided for forming a cluster of networked devices, such as multifunctional devices (MFDs), by scanning a configuration document. The configuration document is printed using a seed device and is scanned and read by one or more devices which are desired to join the cluster. The configuration document includes encoded data corresponding to the attributes and other characteristics of the seed device. Each device decodes the encoded data corresponding to the configuration document and determines if it is compatible with the seed device. If a device determines that it is compatible with the seed device and is thus able to share its resources with the seed device, and vice versa, the device can decide whether to join the cluster. The cluster self-administers itself; each device independently determines whether to leave the cluster, remain in the cluster, and rejoin the cluster.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.