Image Forming Apparatus Delayed Print Mode Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with user authentication for security purposes risk unauthorized access when the authentication device is not provided, leading to potential misuse of printed materials.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a receiving portion for image forming job signals and a controller to delay the image forming operation by a set time after receiving the signal, allowing the user to input a delay time or distance, ensuring secure printing without the need for an authentication device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user authentication is performed to ensure security, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for authentication devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication function from a dedicated authentication device and implements it through the existing operating portion of the image forming apparatus. By using the already-present display and input interfaces for authentication purposes, the system avoids adding separate authentication hardware while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating portion of the image forming apparatus is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both normal operation controls and user authentication. The display unit and input interface serve dual purposes: displaying operational information and presenting authentication questions, while the input interface accepts both operational commands and authentication responses.
2Productivity
If image forming operation starts immediately after job reception, then productivity is improved, but security deteriorates as unauthorized users may access printed materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication action before the image forming operation begins. The system receives the print job, then pauses to authenticate the user through questions displayed on the operating portion. Only after successful authentication does the system proceed with the image forming operation, ensuring security is established before productivity execution.
3Reliability
If authentication device is provided, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional authentication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication interaction with the existing user interface workflow. Authentication questions and responses are integrated into the display and input mechanisms already familiar to users during normal operation. This combination allows authentication to occur within the existing operational context, reducing the perceived burden compared to separate authentication systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution maintains security by ensuring that the image forming operation starts only after the user has arrived, thereby preventing unauthorized access and reducing power consumption by eliminating unnecessary waiting and heating.
Implementation Method 1
an image heating portion configured to heat the image, formed on the recording material by the image forming portion, in a nip where the recording material is nipped and fed
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a receiving portion to receive an image forming job signal for forming an image on a recording material, an image forming portion to form the image based on the received image forming job signal, and an image heating portion to heat the image, formed on the recording material by the image forming portion, in a nip where the recording material is nipped and fed. An inputting portion inputs a waiting time, and a controller performs an operation in an image forming mode so an image forming operation is not performed until a lapse of the input waiting time from the reception of the image forming job signal, and then the image forming operation is started based on the lapse of the waiting time in a stand-by state in which the image forming apparatus waits for reception of the image forming job signal.