System and method for controlling a profile's lifetime in a limited memory store device

Abstract

The present invention is an improved process for creating and storing profiles, that automatically removes infrequently used profiles in the store. A method is provided for maintaining profiles in a device store, for such devices as multifunction printers (MFPs), wireless communications devices, and answering machines. The method comprises: setting a profile type; selecting profile parameters such as destinations and processes; adding the profile to a device store; and, in response to creating the profile, limiting the lifetime of the profile in the device store. Setting a profile type includes selecting a profile from the group including time aging profiles, single-use profiles, renewable profiles, and permanent profiles. When a time aging profile is chosen, a time-to-live (TTL) variable, referenced to the creation of the profile, is also selected. Then, the profile is purged from the store when the TTL variable expires. When a single-use profile is chosen, the profile is purged from the store after the profile is used a first time. When a renewable profile is chosen, a TTL variable is selected that is reset in response to using the profile. The profile is purged from the store if the TTL variable expires. When a permanent profile is chosen, the profile is purged from the store in response to explicit commands to delete the profile.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.