MFP Output Control via Two-Dimensional Code Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing Multi-Function Printer (MFP) systems face challenges in preventing fraudulent document duplication due to the inappropriate setting of secure modes, which can lead to unnecessary restrictions on document duplication, and the ease of concealing or cutting out partial two-dimensional codes used for output control.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that allows setting of either a normal mode or secure mode based on the presence of partial or whole two-dimensional codes, ensuring that the secure mode is only applicable when a partial code is used, thereby preventing misuse and maintaining convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If secure mode is enabled to prevent fraudulent document duplication, then document security is improved, but operational convenience deteriorates due to inappropriate settings restricting necessary document duplication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocument securityVSAvoidoperational convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the availability of secure mode based on the detected two-dimensional code type. When a partial code is detected, secure mode can be enabled; when a whole code is detected, secure mode is disabled. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making security settings context-dependent rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different security policies locally based on the code type detected in the document. Partial codes (edge-located) allow secure mode for enhanced security, while whole codes (surface-located) restrict secure mode to maintain convenience. This local differentiation resolves the universal contradiction between security and convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If partial two-dimensional code is used for output control, then code concealment prevention is improved, but code security deteriorates due to ease of concealing or cutting out the partial code

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode detection accuracyVSAvoidcode security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different security modes based on the local position of the two-dimensional code. Partial codes positioned at document edges enable secure mode with additional verification, while whole codes covering larger areas use normal mode. This local differentiation addresses the security-convenience contradiction specific to each code type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8810864B2Apparatus capable of controlling output using two-dimensional code, and control method and program thereof

Publication Date: 2014.08.19 CANON KK

AI summary

In the case that a secure mode is applied to an MFP which handles both of a QR code and an LVBC, there is a problem that convenience is lost also in LVBC utilization. An apparatus, comprising a unit configured to: enable to set any of a normal mode and a secure mode in determining whether or not to allow output of a document image, in the case that a first mode utilizing a partial code included in the document image is set; and enable setting of the normal mode and disable setting of the secure mode in determining whether or not to allow output of a document image, in the case that a second mode utilizing a whole code included in the document image is set.