Image Forming Apparatus Cloud Server URL Driver Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses require complex processes for users to install printer drivers and set connections, involving CDs, web searches, and manual input of information, especially when multiple user terminals need to connect to an image forming apparatus.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and cloud server system that allows users to connect and install necessary programs using a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) connection, enabling automatic transmission of connection setting information and program installation across user terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users install printer driver using CD or search web site manually, then program installation can be completed, but the installation process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (cloud server with URL generation capability) that mediates between the image forming apparatus and user terminals. The server generates URLs that automatically deliver driver programs and connection settings, eliminating the need for manual CD insertion or web searching. This intermediary service simplifies the user operation while reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming apparatus performs preliminary actions by automatically generating and transmitting URLs containing driver program information before the user actually needs to install the driver. The cloud server pre-prepares the installation packages and makes them accessible via URL, so when the user initiates installation, the process completes quickly without manual preparation steps.
2Ease of operation
If connection setting information is manually input, then connection can be established, but the process becomes complicated especially for multiple user terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud server acts as an intermediary that automatically manages connection setting information distribution. Instead of users manually inputting connection details on multiple terminals, the server receives connection information from the image forming apparatus and automatically delivers it to any user terminal that accesses the generated URL, greatly simplifying the connection process across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where connection setting information is copied and distributed automatically to multiple user terminals via the URL system. The first user terminal that obtains the URL can share it with other terminals, and each terminal receives an identical copy of the necessary connection information without requiring manual re-entry, reducing the perceived complexity for users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If program is installed on multiple user terminal apparatuses repeatedly, then each terminal can access the image forming apparatus, but the installation process becomes even more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal solution where a single URL generated from the image forming apparatus can be used across multiple different user terminal apparatuses (PCs, smartphones, tablets, etc.). The cloud server adapts the driver program delivery to suit different terminal types, making the system universally compatible while simplifying the installation process for each terminal through the same URL-based mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection setting information and driver programs are copied and distributed to multiple user terminals through the URL system. Each terminal receives a copy of the necessary installation files automatically when accessing the URL, eliminating the need for repeated manual installation processes. The first terminal can share the URL with other terminals, and each subsequently receives an identical copy of the installation package.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a communicator configured to receive printing data, an image former configured to print the received printing data, and at least one processor configured to, in response to receiving a request for connection setting information from the user terminal apparatus, control the communicator to transmit the connection setting information to the user terminal apparatus.