Image-Forming Device License Management via Network Lists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems require manual input of serial numbers or checking seals to manage licenses for image forming apparatuses during replacements, increasing workload and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and system that allows for managing licenses of applications through a terminal, displaying a device list, receiving selections for assigning or canceling licenses, and performing operations accordingly via a network connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input of serial numbers and checking seals is required for license management, then license assignment and cancellation can be performed, but the workload and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic license management where the image forming apparatus itself provides its identification information (serial number) to the management server without requiring manual input from users. The server automatically displays the serial number and manages license assignment/cancellation based on device information, eliminating the need for users to manually locate and input serial numbers from seals or displays.
Solution Approach 2:
A management server acts as an intermediary between users and the license management process. The server receives device information, displays serial numbers and license status, and processes assignment/cancellation operations automatically. This intermediary system eliminates the need for users to directly interact with physical seals or manually locate device information.
2Ease of operation
If users must manually locate and input serial numbers from seals or displays, then license management is possible, but the complexity of managing licenses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus automatically provides its identification information to the management server without requiring user intervention. The system self-identifies and self-registers, eliminating the need for users to manually locate serial numbers on seals or displays and input them into the management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (physically locating seals, reading serial numbers by hand, typing them into systems) with an automated electronic system where devices automatically transmit their identification information over a network to a management server, which then handles all license management operations.
3Productivity
If automatic license management is implemented, then workload is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management server serves as a centralized intermediary that handles all automatic license management operations. By consolidating these functions in a dedicated server system, the complexity is centralized rather than distributed across multiple devices, making the system more manageable despite the automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The management server performs multiple functions: displaying device lists, showing serial numbers, managing license assignments, processing cancellations, and communicating with multiple image forming apparatuses. This multi-functional design consolidates complexity into a single system that handles diverse tasks through unified processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus connectable with a terminal via a network to manage a license of a package including applications assignable to a device includes circuitry configured to display a first screen for displaying a device list, the license of the package being assignable to and cancellable from the device in response to receiving a first request, receive a selection of a specific device in the device list and any one of an operation of assigning and cancelling the license of the package, assign the license of the package to the selected specific device in response to receiving the selection of the specific device and the operation of assigning the license of the package, and cancel the license of the package from the selected specific device in response to receiving the selection of the specific device and the operation of cancelling the license of the package.