Updating Identification Numbers in Image Forming Apparatus Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses face communication failures due to inconsistencies in identification numbers, such as MAC addresses and PIN codes, which can occur when the main board is replaced or when storage devices like NFC tags are updated or replaced, leading to discrepancies between the actual and stored identification numbers.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for updating the identification numbers stored in separate storage devices, allowing for synchronization with the actual numbers of the image forming apparatus, using a terminal device to acquire and transmit changed identification numbers via wireless communication networks like NFC, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, ensuring consistent identification for seamless device communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the main board is replaced or storage device is updated, then device repair or upgrade is achieved, but identification number inconsistency occurs between actual and stored numbers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemain board replacementVSAvoididentification number consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects identification number changes by comparing the currently stored identification number with the newly generated one, and triggers an update process when inconsistency is detected, ensuring continuous consistency without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively monitors for identification number changes and performs automatic updates before communication failures occur, preventing the problem rather than reacting to it

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate storage is used for identification numbers, then device flexibility and communication capability are improved, but communication failures occur due to identification number inconsistencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device and image forming apparatus exchange information to detect identification number inconsistencies and automatically trigger updates, ensuring communication reliability while maintaining the flexibility of separate storage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If NFC tag replacement is performed frequently to maintain consistent identification numbers, then identification consistency is maintained, but device complexity and maintenance time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification number consistencyVSAvoidstorage replacement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects identification number changes and performs self-updating of the stored identification numbers without requiring user intervention or physical storage replacement, eliminating the need for frequent NFC tag replacements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically replacing NFC tags with an automated digital update mechanism that transfers identification numbers electronically between storage locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 prevents communication failures by ensuring that the identification numbers in storage match the actual numbers of the image forming apparatus, allowing for efficient device connection and reducing the need for frequent NFC tag replacements, thereby enhancing operational reliability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

using a terminal device to acquire and transmit changed identification numbers to each other via wireless communication networks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear Field Communication (NFC):

Data Source

PatentEP2843474B1Storage information update method for an image forming apparatus, and system for managing image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP2843474B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2843474B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2843474B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A storage information update method, an image forming apparatus (30), a system for managing the image forming apparatus, and a mobile device are provided. The method is performed by an image forming apparatus to which at least one identification number is assigned, a storage (20) configured to store the identification number of the image forming apparatus, and a terminal device (10) communicable with the storage. The method includes acquiring, by the terminal device, the at least one identification number of the image forming apparatus and transmitting, by the terminal device, the received at least one identification number to the storage.