Image Forming Apparatus Authentication for Charge Status Page
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience in obtaining printing charges from image forming apparatuses, as they need to inquire or calculate charges manually, and there are concerns about information leakage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with authentication features that generates a status page including printing charge information only when valid user authentication is provided, restricting access to authorized users and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If printing charge information is made publicly accessible on the status page, then users can easily obtain charge information, but unauthorized persons can also access and acquire the information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring authentication before displaying charge information. The system pre-establishes user credentials and validates them before granting access to the status page, ensuring that only authorized users can view the information. This prevents information leakage while maintaining ease of access for legitimate users.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If authentication is required to access status page information, then security is enhanced, but users must undergo additional authentication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing users to authenticate themselves using their own credentials (user ID and password) to access the status page. The system automatically verifies the credentials and grants access without requiring manual intervention from administrators, balancing security with operational convenience.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If charge information is calculated and displayed manually, then security is maintained, but users experience trouble and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing an automated system that acts as a mediator between the charge calculation process and the user. The system automatically calculates charges based on stored data and presents them on the status page after authentication, eliminating the need for manual calculation while maintaining security through controlled access.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a printing unit that executes a printing operation to print an image on a recording sheet, a HDD in which first authentication information for identifying a user is stored in advance, an operation device for receiving information inputted, and a control device. The control device causes the printing unit to print, on the recording sheet, a first status page including first information related to a charge arising from execution of the printing operation, when an instruction to print a status page indicating a printing status by the printing unit has been received, and the authentication information received through the operation device and the first authentication information stored in the HDD in advance have been accorded with each other.