Image Forming Apparatus License Control Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses do not efficiently operate in actual situations after factory shipment due to limitations in function usage, leading to potential inefficiencies and unauthorized use of functions.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an execution unit, an acceptance unit, and a control unit that permits function execution with a license and prohibits execution without one, while allowing exceptional temporary activation based on predetermined operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If functions are only used when a license is granted, then licensing control is maintained, but the image forming apparatus does not operate efficiently in actual situations after factory shipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic license management by introducing time-limited exception licenses that automatically expire after a predetermined period. This allows the system to transition from a static license-check model to a dynamic one where licensing status changes over time, enabling efficient operation during testing periods while ensuring compliance long-term
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring exception licenses with predetermined expiration dates before they are activated. The control unit is programmed in advance to automatically revoke these exception licenses after the specified period, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring automatic compliance restoration
2Ease of operation
If a license is required for function execution, then unauthorized use is prevented, but temporary testing and verification operations cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the license parameter from a permanent binary state (granted/not granted) to a temporal state by introducing time-limited exception licenses. These exception licenses modify the licensing parameter to allow temporary access during testing while maintaining the prohibition against permanent unauthorized use, as the license automatically expires after the predetermined period
3Adaptability or versatility
If exception licenses are granted for temporary use, then operational flexibility is improved, but long-term unauthorized use may occur if not properly managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the validity period of exception licenses and automatically revokes them when the predetermined time expires. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that temporary flexibility is granted during testing while automatically restoring compliance enforcement, preventing long-term unauthorized use
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an execution unit that executes a function of the image forming apparatus, an acceptance unit that accepts an operation, and a control unit that executes control to permit the execution of the function with a license granting permission to execute the function and to prohibit the execution of the function when the license is not granted. The control unit exceptionally permits the execution of the function based on acceptance of a predetermined operation by the acceptance unit even when the license is not granted and prohibits the execution of the function based on a satisfaction of a condition with the execution of the function exceptionally permitted.