MFP Enabler Using Optical Barcode for Function Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex image forming apparatuses (MFPs) require expensive enablers, such as USB memories and ROMs, to enable functions like scanning and printing, leading to high costs and security concerns when shared among departments, as existing solutions do not efficiently manage function permissions and MAC addresses.
Innovation Solution
An image signal readable by a scanner is used to create an enabler, embedding function permission or prohibition information as a two-dimensional bar code on a plate-like material, allowing the MFP to function at a lower cost without dedicated memory, and using encryption to prevent unauthorized use and data falsification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If USB memory or ROM is used as an enabler to manage function permissions, then function permission management is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a two-dimensional barcode (optical copy) instead of physical memory devices like USB memory or ROM. The barcode contains encrypted function permission information that can be read by the scanner, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated memory hardware while maintaining secure function management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical storage system (USB memory, ROM) with an optical information system (two-dimensional barcode on plate-like material). The scanner reads the optical pattern to retrieve function permission data, substituting physical memory access with optical scanning and decryption.
2Reliability
If MAC address is stored in dedicated ROM, then network identification is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores the MAC address as part of the encrypted information within the two-dimensional barcode on the plate-like material, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated ROM for MAC address storage. The scanner reads this optical copy to obtain the network identification data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (function permission management, MAC address storage, network identification) into a single two-dimensional barcode information structure, replacing multiple separate hardware components (enabler USB memory, dedicated ROM for MAC address) with one integrated optical information carrier.
3Reliability
If enabler is installed for each department in shared MFP, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two-dimensional barcode on the plate-like material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores function permission information, contains the MAC address for network identification, and provides encrypted security validation. This single universal information carrier replaces multiple separate enablers, reducing management complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges function permission data, MAC address, and security encryption into a single two-dimensional barcode structure, allowing one plate-like material to serve as the complete enabler for a department, thereby simplifying the management of multiple departmental enablers in shared MFP environments.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus with a plurality of functions includes an image information member at a position in a scan area of a scanner and outside an original document placement area. Image information which can be read by the scanner and specifies a permitted function or a prohibited function in the plurality of functions is formed in the image information member. Besides, a processing unit is provided which reads the information to specify the permitted function or the prohibited function from the image information read by the scanner and performs a permission or prohibition processing on the function.