Image Processing External Linkage for Direct Token-Based Printing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems require intermediation of the apparatus linkage system for uploading scanned data and print data to external storage systems, which can be inefficient and limit user access.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and system that allows direct acquisition of tokens from external storage systems without intermediation, enabling direct printing and scanning operations based on these tokens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the apparatus linkage system intermediates data transfer between image processing apparatus and external storage system, then system control and security are improved, but operational efficiency and user access speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates authentication functions (handled by apparatus linkage system) from data transfer functions (handled directly by image processing apparatus). This segmentation allows security-critical operations to be controlled centrally while data operations occur independently, resolving the contradiction between centralized control and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus linkage system performs preliminary authentication and token issuance before data transfer. The image processing apparatus obtains authentication tokens in advance, enabling subsequent direct data transfers without requiring continuous intermediation, thus improving operational efficiency while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If the apparatus linkage system intermediates data transfer, then security and access control are improved, but user access convenience and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication token serves as an intermediary credential that enables direct communication between the image processing apparatus and external storage system. This token-based mediation maintains security controls while eliminating the need for continuous apparatus linkage system intermediation during data operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing apparatus performs self-service data transfers using authentication tokens obtained from the apparatus linkage system. This allows the apparatus to independently access and transfer data without requiring manual intervention or continuous system intermediation, improving user access convenience.
3Productivity
If direct data transfer is implemented without apparatus linkage system intermediation, then operational efficiency and user access speed are improved, but system control and security may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the apparatus linkage system monitors and manages authentication tokens issued to image processing apparatus. This feedback loop ensures that direct data transfers remain within security boundaries while maintaining high transfer speeds.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An image processing apparatus (30) includes a first control device (38) including a processor, and configured to act as an external linkage device (38a), when the processor executes an external linkage program (37a). The external linkage device (38a) acquires a token for a user, acquired by an apparatus linkage system (40) linked with the image processing apparatus (30) from an external storage system (50), from the apparatus linkage system (40), downloads print data in the storage system (50) from the storage system (50) using the token, without intermediation of the apparatus linkage system (40), and executes a printing operation according to the print data.