Image Forming Apparatus Automatic Print Execution Upon Operation Unit Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in executing held print jobs when the operation unit is in failure, as the print jobs cannot be displayed or selected for printing, hindering user functionality and usability.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a storage unit for associating user information with print jobs, an operation reception unit, an authentication unit, and a print control unit that allows for automatic execution of print jobs upon successful user authentication, even if the operation unit is in failure, enabling printing without user instruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operation unit is used to display and select print jobs for printing, then the user can control the printing process, but the printing function becomes unavailable when the operation unit fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically executes held print jobs when the user logs in, without requiring manual selection or confirmation through the operation unit. The authentication unit verifies user identity and the print control unit automatically processes the held print job, enabling the printing function to operate autonomously even when the operation unit is unavailable.
2Reliability
If manual selection of print jobs is required through the operation unit, then printing security is maintained, but printing cannot proceed when the operation unit is in failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication of the user through the authentication unit before automatically executing the held print job. This preliminary verification ensures that only authorized users can trigger automatic printing, maintaining security while enabling continuous operation without requiring manual intervention through the operation unit.
3Ease of operation
If the system requires user instruction through the operation unit for each print job, then precise user intent is captured, but usability deteriorates when the operation unit fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's authentication credentials (such as IC card data or biometric information) as a copy of user intent, replacing the need for direct interaction through the operation unit. The authentication unit verifies this copied intent, and the print control unit executes the corresponding held print job, maintaining accessibility even when the operation unit is unavailable.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store user information and a print job in association with each other, an operation reception unit configured to receive a user operation, an authentication unit configured to authenticate a user with use of the user information, and a print control unit configured to execute and print the print job stored in association with the user information based on the user operation received by the operation reception unit. In a case where the operation reception unit is in failure, the print control unit executes the print job stored in association with the user information in response to authentication of the user with use of the user information.