Image Forming Apparatus Cloud Device ID Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses cannot accurately associate and charge users based on the number of printed copies across different identification information systems, leading to inconsistencies in billing due to the lack of synchronization between server and device identification information.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus stores first identification information and acquires data associated with second identification information, suspending job execution if not associated, and authenticates users to associate cloud accounts with user accounts upon predetermined operations, enabling accurate charging based on printed copies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the image forming apparatus uses only one identification information system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different user identification systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus is designed to handle multiple identification information systems (server identification and device identification) simultaneously. The control unit can authenticate users using either identification system and establish associations between them, making the apparatus universally compatible with different user identification methods while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized processing procedures.
2Device complexity
If the image forming apparatus does not manage association between identification information, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of user charging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary authentication using the first identification information before processing the printing job. This preliminary action establishes the user's identity and enables accurate charging by ensuring the user is properly authenticated before the job is executed and billed, thereby improving charging reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If the image forming apparatus suspends job execution when identification information is not associated, then the reliability of user authentication is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit checks the association between identification information before job execution. When associations are missing, the system provides feedback by suspending execution and prompting for proper authentication. This ensures reliable user authentication while allowing resumed execution once authentication is complete, balancing reliability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a storage unit and a control unit. The storage unit stores in advance first identification information out of the first identification information and second identification information which are associated with the same user. The control unit acquires data of a job associated with the second identification information. The control unit suspends the execution of the job when the second identification information is not associated with the first identification information. The control unit authenticates the user using the first identification information. The control unit associates the second identification information with the first identification information when an operation determined in advance is received.