MFP User Identification via Terminal ID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-function printers (MFPs) cannot perform processes corresponding to a user when receiving print data from devices like smartphones and tablets, as these devices often do not set a user name for login, preventing the MFP from specifying the user who instructed the printing.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a management unit to relate information processing apparatuses to permitted users, a specifying unit to identify the user based on terminal identification information, and a processing unit to execute user-specific processes, including updating printed sheet counts and managing permissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the MFP relies on user specification information in print data to identify users, then user-specific processes can be performed for devices with login names, but user identification fails for devices without login names such as smartphones and tablets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces terminal identification information as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between devices without login names and the MFP's user identification system. This intermediary allows the MFP to indirectly identify users through their associated terminals, enabling user-specific processes for smartphones and tablets while maintaining the existing login-based identification for PCs.
2Manufacturing precision
If the MFP requires user specification information to be included in print data, then accurate user-specific processes can be performed, but devices like smartphones and tablets cannot send print data without this information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the MFP acquire terminal identification information before the printing process occurs. This pre-acquisition allows the MFP to prepare user identification data in advance, so when print data arrives from devices without login names, the MFP can immediately perform accurate user-specific processes without requiring the devices to include user specification information in their print data.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus that is capable of performing a process corresponding to a user certainly. A management unit manages relating information that relates an information processing apparatus sending print data with a user who is permitted to use the printing apparatus. A specifying unit specifies a user who instructed execution of printing of the print data to the information processing apparatus based on the relating information. A processing unit executes a process corresponding to the user specified.