MFP Emulation Mode for Incompatible USB Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB memories with authentication applications, such as U3 memories, are not compatible with embedded OS used in MFPs, preventing access to data stored in these devices when attached to MFPs due to OS incompatibility.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that includes an emulation control unit to emulate the display and operation functions of an external terminal device, allowing remote operation and data access to unrecognizable USB storage devices by switching to an emulation mode, enabling data writing and processing even when the device is not directly recognizable to the MFP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an authentication application adapted to general-purpose OS is stored in a USB memory, then data security is improved, but compatibility with embedded OS in MFP is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an emulation mode that acts as an intermediary layer between the MFP's embedded OS and the USB memory's authentication application. When the embedded OS cannot directly recognize the USB memory, the system switches to emulation mode where the display and operation portion emulate a general-purpose terminal device, enabling the MFP to indirectly access and operate the USB memory through the external terminal device.
2Device complexity
If the MFP uses its native embedded OS for operation, then system simplicity is maintained, but access to USB memories with authentication applications is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system that can switch between two operational modes: normal mode using the embedded OS for simple operations, and emulation mode for accessing USB memories with authentication applications. The emulation mode transition unit dynamically switches the operation mode based on whether the USB memory is recognizable by the embedded OS, allowing the system to adapt its complexity level according to the operational requirements.
3Reliability
If the authentication application is required to be started for data access, then data protection is enhanced, but system usability is reduced when the application is not compatible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the external terminal device's display and operation functions through the emulation mode. Instead of requiring the incompatible authentication application to run directly on the MFP's embedded OS, the system copies the terminal device's interface and functionality, allowing users to interact with the USB memory's authentication mechanism through the emulated environment rather than dealing with direct OS incompatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Attachment of a USB memory is sensed and whether the USB memory can be recognized or not is determined based on data information output from the USB memory. When the USB memory cannot be recognized, an emulation transition screen is displayed. Thereafter, when an instruction to start transition to an emulation mode is given, an emulation mode transition instruction signal and an IP address of an MFP on a network are output. Receiving the input of the emulation mode transition instruction signal, an emulation mode start-up/end unit starts up the emulation mode.