Image Forming Apparatus License Activation Without Server Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing license activation methods for image forming apparatuses in B2B environments face inefficiencies, including the need for direct connection to a license server, time-consuming manual activation of multiple devices, and incompatibility with security restrictions that prevent USB usage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that uses an application file containing an encryption key generated from apparatus information, allowing for authentication and activation of applications without direct server connection, enabling efficient installation and limiting or deleting unauthenticated applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image forming apparatus connects to the license server for activation, then the license can be activated using the license key and apparatus information, but the apparatus cannot be used in B2B environments with security restrictions that prevent external connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the activation key generation process from the license server and embeds it directly into the image forming apparatus. The apparatus now contains a generation unit that creates activation keys locally using its unique apparatus information, eliminating the need for external server connection while maintaining activation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a terminal apparatus as an intermediary that collects apparatus information from multiple image forming apparatuses, generates activation keys, and distributes them. This mediator enables B2B environment activation without requiring direct apparatus-to-server connections, bridging the gap between security restrictions and license activation needs.
2Ease of operation
If the license off line method is used to activate multiple image forming apparatuses, then USB connection is not required, but it takes long time to input activation keys one by one for each apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating activation keys for multiple apparatuses using their apparatus information before actual installation. The terminal apparatus collects all necessary information in advance, generates all activation keys beforehand, and stores them ready for distribution, eliminating the need for sequential key input during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the apparatus information collection, activation key generation, and application file distribution processes into a single integrated operation. The terminal apparatus performs all these functions together in one workflow, allowing simultaneous activation of multiple apparatuses without sequential operations, thereby dramatically improving productivity.
3Productivity
If the USB license off line method is used, then activation key can be distributed to multiple apparatuses, but it cannot be used in situations where USB is restricted for security reasons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical USB connection system with a network-based digital transmission system. Instead of physically connecting USB drives to each apparatus, the terminal apparatus transmits activation keys and application files digitally through network connections, eliminating the need for USB hardware while maintaining efficient key distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal activation system that works across different environments (B2B with security restrictions, standard networks, offline scenarios) by using network communication as the primary mechanism. The system adapts to various security configurations and network conditions, providing a single unified solution that replaces multiple environment-specific methods.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes: a communication interface which receives an application file containing an activation key, an installation unit which installs the received application file in the image forming apparatus, an authentication unit which authenticates a license of application corresponding to the application file using the activation key contained in the application file and apparatus information of the image forming apparatus, and a controller which, if the license is authenticated, activates the installed application, wherein the activation key is an encryption key that is generated using the apparatus information of the image forming apparatus.