Cashierless Store Printing System with Pre-Registered Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cashierless stores, users face delays in obtaining printed materials due to the need for image forming apparatuses to download printing data from servers after user operation, which decreases the value of the cashierless payment system and increases operational effort.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system where a printing management server transmits pre-registered printing data to an image forming apparatus upon user entry, allowing the apparatus to convert and store the data for immediate printing upon user authentication, eliminating the need for additional user operations and reducing output time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image forming apparatus downloads printing data from the server after user operation, then the system ensures data security and proper authentication, but the time taken to output the printed matter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing data is transmitted from the server to the image forming apparatus in advance, before the user actually requests printing. The data is stored in the apparatus's memory ready for immediate output. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by preparing the data beforehand while still maintaining security through authentication requirements at the time of printing request.
2Loss of time
If the printing data is transmitted in advance to the image forming apparatus, then the output time is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional memory and data management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus autonomously manages the received printing data by storing it in its memory and making it ready for printing without requiring continuous server connection or complex external management systems. The apparatus serves itself by maintaining local data storage and retrieval capabilities, reducing the need for complex external data management infrastructure.
3Reliability
If the user must operate the image forming apparatus to trigger data download, then the system maintains control and security, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Once the printing data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus in advance, the apparatus automatically has the data ready in its memory. When the user provides a simple printing instruction (such as entering a print reservation number or pressing a button), the apparatus immediately retrieves and prints the data without requiring the user to initiate a complex data download process. This self-service approach maintains security while greatly simplifying user operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes a printing management apparatus including a first processor configured to, in a case where a notification indicating that a user enters a region in which authentication of the user is necessary at entry is received, transmit printing data registered in advance by the user who has entered the region to an image forming apparatus installed in the region, and at least one image forming apparatus including a second processor and a memory, the second processor being configured to receive the printing data transmitted from the printing management apparatus, convert the printing data into a printable form, and store the converted printing data in the memory as printable data.