Image Forming Apparatus Program Module License Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming systems face challenges in securely validating and managing program modules, leading to increased costs and security risks due to permanent validation and lack of measures against illegal use and password leakage.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus connected via a communication unit, featuring a storage unit for identification information, a program storage unit for multiple function modules, a launching program identification unit, a program management unit, an acquisition unit for license information, and an updating unit to manage and limit the use of program modules based on executable counts, ensuring secure and temporary validation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a program module is validated permanently, then the function can be used continuously, but security is compromised and illegal use cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction availabilityVSAvoidsecurity risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic validation by setting expiration dates and usage counts on program modules. The validation status is not permanent but refreshes periodically or upon reaching usage limits, preventing indefinite unauthorized use while maintaining legitimate functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The validation state of program modules is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors usage counts and expiration dates, automatically adjusting validation status based on current conditions, allowing the system to respond to potential misuse in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a dedicated rewrite apparatus is used for validation, then program module validation is secure, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalidation securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The image forming apparatus performs validation operations autonomously using its own processing units and storage systems. The system reads validation information from storage media, verifies program modules, and manages licensing without requiring external dedicated validation equipment, eliminating additional manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus uses its existing multi-functional components (processor, storage unit, communication unit) for validation tasks. These components already serve multiple purposes including image processing, data storage, and network communication, so no dedicated validation hardware is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a serviceman visits the installation place for validation, then secure validation is achieved, but time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalidation securityVSAvoidvalidation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces storage media (such as removable storage devices or network storage) as intermediaries to transfer validation information between the apparatus and external systems. This allows validation data to be updated remotely without requiring physical presence of service personnel at the installation location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of serviceman travel and manual validation with automated electronic validation through communication units and storage media. Validation information is transmitted and processed electronically, eliminating the need for physical visits while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If password-based validation is used, then simple operation is achieved, but security is weak due to password leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidpassword leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the validation credentials from human-memory-based passwords and stores them in secure, machine-managed storage media. The validation information is stored in protected memory regions or encrypted storage, removing it from the vulnerable domain of human handling and transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using mutable passwords that can be copied and shared, the system uses immutable validation information stored in secure storage media. Each apparatus has unique validation credentials tied to its identification, preventing unauthorized replication or sharing of validation rights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8533468B2Image forming apparatus, launching method of program in the apparatus, image forming system, and program and storage medium therefor

Publication Date: 2013.09.10 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus communicates with an external device via a communication medium. A storage unit stores program modules, each of which provides a function that can be executed on the image forming apparatus. A license confirmation unit confirms license information associated with each of the program modules. A program control unit controls operation of each of the program modules in response to a confirmation by the license confirmation unit. When a launch of one of the program modules is instructed, the program control unit executes a corresponding program module.