License Management Server Dynamic Device Number Update
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current license management systems for printers, such as multifunction peripherals, do not allow users to freely set the continuous copying speed after factory shipment, and existing solutions do not address the need for flexible license control over this basic function.
Innovation Solution
A license management server that issues licenses for setting the continuous copying speed of image forming apparatuses, allowing users to specify the speed and updating the device number associated with the license, enabling flexible installation and management of extended functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the continuous copying speed is fixed at factory shipment, then the device number can be uniquely identified, but the user cannot freely set the copying speed after purchase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic license management where the device number associated with a license can be changed through license issuance. The system transitions from a static device number (fixed at factory) to a dynamic device number that can be updated when users request license changes, allowing flexible speed adjustment while maintaining security through server-mediated updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The license management server acts as an intermediary between the user and the device number change process. When a user requests a license for a different continuous copying speed, the server validates the request, updates the device number association, and issues a new license. This intermediary mechanism ensures secure license management while enabling flexible speed configuration.
2Reliability
If a license mechanism is introduced to control continuous copying speed, then abuse can be prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the license management functionality from the image forming apparatus itself and places it in a separate license management server. The server handles all license issuance, device number updates, and security validation, while the image forming apparatus only needs to communicate license requests and receive updates. This extraction reduces the complexity within the device while maintaining comprehensive security control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device number is changed to reflect new continuous copying speed, then the license remains valid, but the device identification becomes less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the license management server continuously tracks and updates the device number associated with each license. When a user requests a license for a different continuous copying speed, the server receives the current device number, validates it, updates the association with the new device number, and issues an updated license. This feedback loop ensures license validity is maintained throughout device number changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A license management server issues a license required for setting a continuous copying speed of an image forming apparatus to a continuous copying speed specified by a license issuance request.