Image Forming Device Approval Printing Without Server Infrastructure

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming devices require complex processes for users to print files after approval, especially in flexible offices and third places, necessitating a simpler system for requesting and approving printing.

Innovation Solution

An image forming device that provides a terminal device with an operation image, acquires a file to be printed, generates identification information for approval, converts the file into print data, stores the file and data in association, notifies the terminal device of the identification information, receives input of the information, identifies the file to be printed, and executes printing upon matching identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a server-based system with printer drivers is used for approval printing, then printing functionality is achieved, but system complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting process simplicityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the printer driver and server components from the approval printing system, eliminating the need for complex server-based infrastructure. The image forming device directly receives and processes print data from terminal devices without requiring external server intervention or printer driver installation, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining printing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The image forming device performs self-service by independently generating approval codes and managing the approval printing process without external server assistance. The device stores print data locally, generates unique approval codes for each print job, and validates these codes when users request printing, thereby eliminating the need for complex server-based approval systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If printer drivers are required for printing, then print quality and control are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint controlVSAvoiduser burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The image forming device performs self-service by independently generating approval codes and managing the approval printing process without external server assistance. The device stores print data locally, generates unique approval codes for each print job, and validates these codes when users request printing, thereby eliminating the need for complex server-based approval systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If server-based approval systems are implemented, then printing approval is achieved, but system costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapproval mechanismVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the printer driver and server components from the approval printing system, eliminating the need for complex server-based infrastructure. The image forming device directly receives and processes print data from terminal devices without requiring external server intervention or printer driver installation, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining printing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The image forming device performs self-service by independently generating approval codes and managing the approval printing process without external server assistance. The device stores print data locally, generates unique approval codes for each print job, and validates these codes when users request printing, thereby eliminating the need for complex server-based approval systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12386571B2Image forming device and image forming method

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An image forming device according to an aspect of the present disclosure provides a terminal device with an operation image, acquires a first file to be printed from the terminal device, generates the first identification information that is identification information for approving printing of the first file to be printed, and stores a first object to be printed that is first print data obtained by converting the first file to be printed or the first file to be printed and the first identification information in association with each other. The image forming device notifies the terminal device of the first identification information, receives input of the identification information, identifies the first object to be printed corresponding to the first identification information when the identification information whose input is received matches the first identification information, and executes printing of the first print data of the identified first object to be printed.