Image Forming Apparatus Proximity Authentication and User Notification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of image forming apparatuses face increased waiting times due to the need to authenticate and wait for printing to complete, especially when other users are present, as they cannot determine if the apparatus is in use by others and security is compromised by remote login.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus detects users within a specific region, determines if they are authorized, and notifies the user if another user is using the apparatus, allowing for secure and efficient start-up of printing based on user proximity and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the output-permitted user performs authentication in front of the image forming apparatus to ensure security, then security is improved, but waiting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions by detecting the user's approach through radio communication before the user reaches the apparatus. The authentication process is initiated in advance, and the print job is prepared for execution, so that when the user arrives, the printing can start immediately or has already commenced, thereby reducing waiting time while maintaining security through pre-authentication.
2Loss of time
If the output-permitted user remotely logs in to shorten waiting time, then waiting time is reduced, but security is compromised when other users are present
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the output-permitted user about the presence of other users near the apparatus. When another user is detected in the vicinity, the system notifies the authenticated user, allowing them to decide whether to proceed with remote login or wait. This feedback mechanism enables informed decision-making that balances security concerns with time efficiency, as users can choose to delay printing until the area is clear while still maintaining authenticated session readiness.
3Productivity
If the image forming apparatus starts printing immediately upon authentication, then productivity is improved, but other users cannot know if the apparatus is in use
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to approaching users about the current usage status of the image forming apparatus. When another user is present or the apparatus is in use, this information is communicated to the output-permitted user who is approaching for authentication. This allows users to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with printing, wait, or choose another time, thereby managing apparatus usage coordination while maintaining high productivity when the apparatus is available.
Data Source
AI summary
When other user is using an image forming apparatus before an output-permitted user having issued a security job reaches the image forming apparatus, security is lowered and also it takes some time until processing of security job is completed. The image forming apparatus notifies the output-permitted user of information indicating that other user is using the image forming apparatus in a case where the other user present near the image forming apparatus (own apparatus) is using the image forming apparatus. With this arrangement, the output-permitted user can know whether or not the other user is using the image forming apparatus before the output-permitted user reaches the image forming apparatus.