Apparatus Setup System Provisional Activation via Identifier Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing process of replacing electronic apparatuses, such as image forming devices, is hindered by the need for an activation key, which can lead to prolonged downtime due to the time-consuming process of obtaining and issuing this key, especially in sudden replacements.

Innovation Solution

The system allows for provisional setup of a new electronic apparatus by transferring a package file from the old apparatus, which includes an electronic apparatus identifier, enabling partial activation of the application without requiring an activation key, thus reducing downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an activation key is required for application activation, then security and license control are improved, but setup time and downtime during apparatus replacement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelicense controlVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-transferring the electronic apparatus identifier from the old apparatus to the new apparatus before activation key issuance. This allows the new apparatus to be provisionally activated using the transferred identifier, eliminating the need to wait for activation key generation and issuance. The identifier transfer is performed in advance through a package file, enabling immediate provisional activation and significantly reducing setup time while maintaining license control through subsequent identifier verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If an activation key is required for application activation, then license security is improved, but ease of operation during apparatus replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelicense securityVSAvoidapparatus replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electronic apparatus identifier from the old apparatus and transfers it to the new apparatus independently of the activation key process. By separating the identifier transfer from the activation key issuance, the system allows provisional activation to proceed without waiting for the complex key generation and delivery process. This extraction approach simplifies the replacement operation while maintaining security through subsequent identifier matching verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If activation key issuance process is followed, then proper licensing is ensured, but productivity during apparatus replacement decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelicensing complianceVSAvoidapparatus replacement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-transferring the electronic apparatus identifier before activation key issuance. This enables provisional activation to occur immediately without waiting for the activation key generation and delivery process, significantly accelerating apparatus replacement. Licensing compliance is maintained through subsequent verification that the transferred identifier matches the new apparatus's actual identifier, ensuring proper licensing without sacrificing replacement speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3706448B1Apparatus setup system, apparatus setup method, and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP3706448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3706448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3706448B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus setup system (1)includes: a first electronic apparatus (10); and a second electronic apparatus (20), the first electronic apparatus (10) including a first controller module (102) configured to generate a package file (P) where an export instruction is input, the export instruction instructing to export an application, the package file (P) at least including the application identifier and an electronic apparatus identifier (Q) of one different electronic apparatus (20), the second electronic apparatus (20) including a second controller module (202) configured to where the package file (P) is input, check the electronic apparatus identifier (Q1) included in the input package file (P) against the electronic apparatus identifier (Q2) stored in the second storage device (28), and where it is determined that the electronic apparatus identifier (Q1) included in the input package file (P) matches the electronic apparatus identifier (Q2) stored in the second storage device (28), activate the application identified by the application identifier included in the package file (P).