Local Activation Key Generation for Image Forming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require external network connections for application activation, leading to increased operation burden and wait time for activation operators and administrators, as well as potential security risks due to external network dependencies.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus within a local network generates and manages activation keys for image forming apparatuses using a prime key issued by an external activation key issuing system, allowing for local activation of applications without external network connectivity, thereby reducing the burden on the activation key issuing system and enhancing security by minimizing external connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an application is installed on an image forming apparatus, then the application becomes available for use, but the application cannot be activated without external network connection and license acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an information processing apparatus as an intermediary between the image forming apparatus and the external license management system. This intermediary acquires the license information on behalf of the image forming apparatus, eliminating the need for direct external network connection and simplifying the activation operation for end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing apparatus performs preliminary license acquisition and validation before the user attempts to activate the application. By preparing the license information in advance and storing it locally, the system enables seamless activation without requiring users to perform complex network operations during the activation process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image forming apparatus connects to external network for license acquisition, then the application can be activated, but security risks increase due to external network dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus serves as a secure intermediary that handles all external network communications for license acquisition. The image forming apparatus itself does not directly connect to external networks, thereby isolating it from security risks while still enabling application activation through the trusted intermediary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the license management functionality into a separate information processing apparatus from the image forming apparatus. This segmentation allows the image forming apparatus to maintain security by not requiring external network connectivity, while the intermediary handles all external communications independently.
3Ease of operation
If the license information is stored in the image forming apparatus, then activation can be performed, but the activation process requires external network connection and increases operation burden
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus performs preliminary license acquisition and validation before the user activation process. By pre-fetching and validating license information, the system eliminates wait times during activation and removes the burden of external network connections from the user's activation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing apparatus automatically handles the entire license acquisition process without requiring user intervention for network connections or authentication. The system performs self-service license management, retrieving and validating licenses autonomously, which eliminates operation burden and reduces activation time.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing apparatus (1) has: a data communication portion (14) for communicating with a first image forming apparatus (2A) holding an authentic prime key (K1) within the same local network (LN), and a second image forming apparatus (2B, 2C) within the same local network (LN); a storage portion (11) for storing a key generation program (P1) for issuing an activation key based on the prime key (K1); and a control portion (10) for acquiring the prime key (K1) from the first image forming apparatus (2A) on receiving an activation request from the second image forming apparatus (2B, 2C), generating the activation key for use on the second image forming apparatus (2B, 2C), and transmitting the activation key to the second image forming apparatus (2B, 2C).