Management Server Prevents Duplicate Registration in Image Processing Apparatus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In the consumables automatic delivery service for image processing apparatuses, existing systems face challenges in preventing duplicate registrations due to the use of static and dynamic identification information, leading to simultaneous deliveries from multiple sellers, especially when static identification information changes or is reused.

Innovation Solution

A management server manages both first and second identification information types, associating them to prevent duplicate registrations by restricting second registration if the second identification information is already linked with first identification information previously registered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If static identification information is used for image processing apparatus registration, then the registration process is simple and straightforward, but duplicate registrations occur when the apparatus is repaired or transferred to new users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregistration process simplicityVSAvoidduplicate registration prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static identification information to dynamic identification information that can be reissued by the management server. When duplicate registration is detected or the apparatus is transferred, the management server generates new identification information, ensuring that the identification remains unique and reliable throughout the apparatus lifecycle while maintaining operational simplicity for end users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If dynamic identification information is issued by a server to prevent duplicate registrations, then duplicate registration prevention is improved, but the system complexity increases due to multiple identification information types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduplicate registration preventionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management server acts as an intermediary between service servers and image processing apparatuses. It maintains an association table linking first identification information (from apparatus) with second identification information (issued by server), and manages the mapping between different identification types. This intermediary approach centralizes the complexity in one component while keeping the overall system manageable and the service servers simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The management server provides multiple functions: it manages association between different identification information types, issues new identification information when needed, prevents duplicate registrations, and handles apparatus transfers. By consolidating these diverse functions in a single multi-functional component, the system avoids the complexity of implementing each function separately across multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the same identification information is used across different service servers, then the registration process is simplified, but consumables may be delivered simultaneously by multiple sellers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregistration process simplicityVSAvoidsimultaneous consumables delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The management server implements a feedback mechanism where service servers check with the management server before registering an image processing apparatus. The management server checks whether the first or second identification information is already associated with another service server, and provides feedback to prevent duplicate registrations. This feedback loop ensures that only one service server can successfully register an apparatus, preventing simultaneous consumables delivery while maintaining a simple registration process for users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10771649B2Management server for managing multiple identifications of an image processing apparatus, and information processing system and information processing method therefor

Publication Date: 2020.09.08 CANON KK

AI summary

A management server performs first registration by which first identification information is registered for a first web service, the first identification information being received from a first service server that provides the first web service and second registration by which second identification information is registered for a second web service, the second identification information being received from a second service server that provides the second web service; and the management server puts restriction on the second registration of the received second identification information in a case where the second identification is associated with the first identification information in a management unit, the second identification information being received by a receiving unit from the second service server, the first identification information being received from the first service server and registered by the first registration.