Image Forming Apparatus Guest Printing via Authenticated Terminal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses require external unregistered terminals to be temporarily registered or have an authenticated terminal to print data, which is cumbersome for guests, especially in environments like companies where not all devices are pre-registered.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus transmits an inquiry to an authenticated terminal for permission to print data from an external unregistered terminal, allowing printing without registering the external terminal, using near-field wireless communication and wireless LAN for authentication and data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If authentication management is implemented to print only from registered authenticated terminals, then printing security and control are improved, but printing convenience for external users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authenticated terminal as an intermediary that mediates between the external unregistered terminal and the image forming apparatus. When printing is requested from an unregistered terminal, the system automatically sends a permission request to a registered authenticated terminal (such as a company employee's device), which then approves or denies the printing request. This intermediary mechanism maintains security by requiring authenticated terminal approval while enabling convenient printing for external users without manual registration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external terminals are temporarily registered to enable printing, then printing permission is granted, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary registration of authenticated terminals in advance (such as employee devices being pre-registered in the image forming apparatus). When an external unregistered terminal needs to print, the system leverages these pre-registered authenticated terminals to automatically handle permission requests. This eliminates the need for time-consuming temporary registration processes, as the authenticated terminal's pre-existing credentials are used to rapidly approve printing requests.
3Reliability
If manual registration of external terminals is required, then security control is maintained, but user experience and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service printing for external users by automatically managing the permission request process. When an unregistered terminal attempts to print, the system automatically sends permission requests to authenticated terminals and processes the approval without requiring manual administrator intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains security control through automated authentication while dramatically improving operational efficiency by eliminating manual registration steps.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a processor configured to: transmit an inquiry as to whether or not printing of print data is allowed to an authenticated terminal when the print data are received from an external terminal, the authenticated terminal having an authority to perform printing and the external terminal being not registered in advance as the authenticated terminal; and make preparation to print the print data when a permission to print the print data is received from the authenticated terminal.