Mobile Terminal Function Activation for Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for purchasing and activating functions of image forming apparatuses are cumbersome, requiring users to input codes or passwords, which can be inconvenient and may not ensure accurate activation of purchased functions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a mobile terminal and a server system to provide execution information for downloading and executing a target application, allowing users to purchase and activate functions of image forming apparatuses without the need for manual code input, by using 'App Clips' and a management server to manage function support and purchase status, enabling seamless activation of purchased functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually input codes or passwords to activate functions, then the activation process can be controlled, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service activation where the mobile terminal automatically receives execution information from the image forming apparatus, downloads the application software, and activates functions without requiring manual code input. The apparatus provides support function information and purchase information automatically, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring complex user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile terminal acts as an intermediary between the user and the image forming apparatus. It receives execution information from the apparatus, manages the download and execution of application software, and handles the activation process automatically. This intermediary role eliminates the need for direct manual code input while maintaining controlled activation.
2Ease of operation
If execution information is provided to enable automatic activation, then user convenience is enhanced, but communication costs and data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The execution information is segmented into essential components: support function information indicating what functions are available, and purchase information indicating the purchase status. This segmentation allows the system to transmit only the necessary information for activation without overloading the communication channel with unnecessary data, thereby reducing communication costs while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the system provides detailed support function information and purchase information, then accurate function activation is ensured, but the information processing and communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses parameter changes in the information structure to convey activation requirements. By providing support function information as parameters indicating available functions and purchase information as parameters indicating purchase status, the system achieves accurate activation control with minimal processing complexity. The parameters are clearly defined and directly actionable, eliminating the need for complex information processing while ensuring reliable activation.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a controller configured to: receive a function purchase instruction of an image forming apparatus and based on receiving the function purchase instruction, provide a mobile terminal with execution information, the execution information being for causing the mobile terminal to download a target application and to execute the target application, the target application being an application software for purchasing a function of the image forming apparatus.