Log Information Management Apparatus IC Card Flag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing log information management systems for image forming apparatuses require users to hold their IC cards on the card reader until job processing is complete, leading to user unfriendliness and system enlargement, as well as the need for a separate server for billing information management.
Innovation Solution
A log information management apparatus that uses a remaining processing flag to determine when job history writing is complete, allowing the IC card to be released and enabling secure writing of log information upon next authentication, thus eliminating the need for continuous card holder and server management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IC card is held on the card reader until job history is fixed, then the log information can be securely written in the IC card, but user-friendliness is degraded and the card reader must be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing log information temporarily in the image forming apparatus memory before the user completes their job. The flag mechanism is set in advance to indicate pending log writing, allowing the user to remove the IC card without worrying about data loss. The log information is automatically written to the IC card when the user returns it, eliminating the need for continuous card holding.
2Measurement precision
If the IC card is held on the card reader until billing amount is fixed, then billing information can be accurately recorded, but the IC card manipulation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and stores the billing amount temporarily in the image forming apparatus before the user completes the job. The flag mechanism indicates that billing information is ready but not yet written to the IC card. This allows the user to remove the card immediately after authentication without waiting for job completion, and the billing information is automatically written when the card is returned.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate server is provided to manage billing information, then billing management capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the billing management function into the image forming apparatus itself, combining the log information management apparatus with the existing imaging functionality. This integration eliminates the need for a separate billing server while maintaining comprehensive billing management capabilities. The image forming apparatus stores and manages both job history and billing information locally, reducing system complexity.
4Reliability
If the card reader is enlarged to hold the IC card during processing, then log writing reliability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares log information and billing data in advance in the image forming apparatus memory, setting the flag to indicate readiness for writing. This preliminary preparation allows the card reader to remain compact since it only needs to perform brief write operations when the user returns the card, rather than maintaining continuous holding capability throughout the entire job process.
Data Source
AI summary
A log information management apparatus acquires a card ID from an IC card to set a remaining processing flag to the IC card. The log information management apparatus determines whether the remaining processing flag is set to the IC card before the remaining processing flag is set after the card ID is acquired. The log information management apparatus cause an image forming apparatus to perform a job, and causes a storage device to store a job history based on completion of the performance of the job. The log information management apparatus writes a job history relating to the card ID in the IC card in which the remaining processing flag is determined to be set. The log information management apparatus releases the remaining processing flag after writing the job history.