Image Forming Apparatus Configuration Update Conflict Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with firmware and configuration updates, including conflicts between current and updated configurations, potential unauthorized updates, and lack of reliability in ensuring apparatus functionality post-update.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with an approval obtainer and activation controller that compares configuration information from a removable memory with the current configuration, requiring authorized user approval before updating, thus ensuring only approved changes are made.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If configuration information is automatically updated from removable memory, then the apparatus can adapt to new settings, but conflicts between current and updated configurations may cause troubles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration update capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration conflict prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by comparing configuration information before updating occurs. The control unit reads both current configuration information from non-volatile memory and updated configuration information from removable memory, performs a comparison to detect potential conflicts, and only then proceeds with the update if no conflicts are found. This preventive comparison mechanism ensures that troubles are prevented before they occur, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If configuration update is performed without verification, then the update process is simple and fast, but unauthorized users may illegally obtain confidential information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate speedVSAvoidunauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by requiring verification of the updated configuration information before the update is finalized. The control unit compares the updated configuration with the current configuration, detects any differences, and presents this information to the user for approval. Only when the user confirms the update should it proceed. This feedback loop prevents unauthorized updates while maintaining a relatively efficient process, resolving the contradiction between update speed and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If all functions are activated after configuration update, then the apparatus operates fully, but some functions may become inactivated due to undetected conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus activationVSAvoidfunctionality assurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing configuration comparison and conflict detection before activating the apparatus. The control unit completes the entire configuration verification process - reading both configurations, comparing them, detecting conflicts, and obtaining user approval - before the apparatus is activated. This ensures that no configuration conflicts remain undetected when functions are activated, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8654372B2Apparatus and method of activating and updating configuration information of an image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2014.02.18 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus, method, system, and computer program and product each capable of activating an image forming apparatus according to configuration information approved by an authorized user are disclosed.