Image Forming System Authentication and Data Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems lack a centralized method for multiple image forming apparatuses to efficiently access and retrieve user-specific image data across various storage locations, leading to inefficiencies in image formation and user authentication.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system that includes a transmitter apparatus for sending identification information and image data to multiple storage locations, with each image forming apparatus possessing a retrieval unit to access storage locations based on user input and form images corresponding to retrieved data, utilizing a spooler list for storage location management and authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a print server apparatus stores image data and allows multiple image forming apparatuses to access it, then data accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for centralized storage and authentication management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidauthentication management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication and data storage functions by distributing them across multiple image forming apparatuses. Each apparatus maintains its own storage unit with authentication information and image data, eliminating the need for a centralized print server. The segmentation is further applied by separating the authentication unit (which verifies user credentials) from the retrieval unit (which accesses stored data), allowing independent optimization of each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each image forming apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an authentication server and a data storage unit. The apparatus can authenticate users and simultaneously store and retrieve image data, eliminating the need for dedicated centralized servers. This universal design allows any apparatus in the network to function as both client and server, improving accessibility while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple storage locations are used to store user-specific image data, then retrieval efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for storage location management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrieval efficiencyVSAvoidstorage location management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of authentication information that links users to their specific storage locations. When a user logs in, the authentication unit verifies credentials and automatically identifies the appropriate storage location associated with that user. This intermediary approach simplifies management by using user credentials as the key to locate data, rather than requiring complex manual tracking of multiple storage locations across different apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-associating user authentication information with specific storage locations during the authentication phase. Before data retrieval begins, the system already knows which storage location contains the user's data based on their credentials. This preliminary identification eliminates the need for complex real-time location management during data access, as the pathway to the data is established in advance through authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If user authentication is implemented across multiple image forming apparatuses, then security is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to authentication requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the authentication process with the data retrieval process into a single unified operation. When users log in to retrieve their image data, they provide authentication credentials once, and the system simultaneously verifies their identity and locates their data in the appropriate storage location. This merging eliminates the need for separate authentication and data access steps, maintaining security while improving ease of operation by combining two functions into one seamless action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9158487B2Image forming system with authentication unit, image forming apparatus, and computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming system includes a transmitter apparatus that transmits, to a predetermined storage location of multiple storage locations, identification information identifying a user and image data associated with the identification information, and multiple image forming apparatuses. Each of the image forming apparatuses includes a first storage unit that stores storage information indicating the storage locations, a storage location that is included in the storage locations and stores the identification information and the image data associated with the identification information, a retrieval unit that accesses the storage locations, indicated by the storage information stored on the first storage unit, when the identification information is inputted by the user, and retrieves the image data from the storage location, and an image forming unit that forms an image corresponding to the image data retrieved by the retrieval unit.