Offline Contract Unlocking for Image Forming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems cannot release a use-prohibited state when not connected to the Internet, posing a challenge for devices locked due to expired usage contracts.
Innovation Solution
The system activates a use-prohibited state and outputs inquiry information as printed material, which can be read by a specific apparatus to acquire release instructions, allowing another connected device to transmit the necessary information to a management server for unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system requires Internet connection to release use-prohibited state, then security and centralized control are improved, but system availability and user convenience deteriorate when Internet is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces printed material as an intermediary carrier that bridges the offline system and the centralized management server. The printed material containing inquiry information serves as a physical mediator that can be transported to another location where Internet connectivity is available, allowing the use-prohibited state to be released without requiring continuous Internet connection at the original system location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by generating and outputting inquiry information in printed form before the Internet connection becomes unavailable or before the user needs to access the system. This allows the user to have the necessary information ready in advance, which can then be used to release the use-prohibited state even when Internet connection is not available at the time of release.
2Reliability
If the system prohibits use after usage contract expiration, then service management and revenue protection are improved, but user productivity and system utility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing users to independently release the use-prohibited state through a simplified process. Instead of requiring administrative intervention or complex procedures, the user can generate inquiry information, obtain response information, and release the prohibition state autonomously, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring service management compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the Internet connection requirement from the use-prohibited state release process. By separating the inquiry information generation from the Internet-dependent response retrieval, the system allows the core functionality to operate independently of continuous network connectivity, thereby maintaining system utility while preserving service management controls.
3Ease of operation
If the system outputs inquiry information as printed material, then Internet connectivity requirement is reduced, but information transmission efficiency and process time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a physical copy of the inquiry information in printed form. This copy can be transported independently of the original system and processed at any location with Internet connectivity, eliminating the need for continuous connection and allowing parallel processing, which actually reduces overall time loss compared to sequential waiting.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing system includes a processor configured to: if a usage contract period has expired, activate a use-prohibited state that prohibits use of at least some functions of the system; output, as first printed material, inquiry information containing at least one piece of information from among identification information for the system and identification information for a user who uses the system; and release the use-prohibited state of the system according to use-prohibited state release instruction information outputted in response to the inquiry information outputted as the first printed material.