Print Device Authorization via Portable Memory Secure File
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional on-demand service solutions, such as print services, require expensive hardware and complex backend systems for payment authorization, and are vulnerable to fraud due to the need for specific hardware connections and potential manipulation of external medium information.
Innovation Solution
A document printing system that uses a portable memory device to store an electronic secure file for authorizing the print engine, which includes a device identification code, vendor identification code, creation date, and balance amount, allowing the controller to verify the file's validity and authorize the print engine, and optionally includes encryption for added security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hardware-based authorization systems are used, then service authorization can be performed, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authorization data from physical hardware and external media, storing it instead in a database accessible via communication network. This removes the need for expensive card readers and complex hardware connections, while maintaining reliable authorization through database verification of device codes and transaction data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical hardware-based authorization (card readers, currency acceptors physically connected to MFP) with an electronic/digital system using communication ports and database access. This substitution eliminates the need for physical hardware connections while achieving the same authorization function through electronic data verification
2Loss of information
If card readers are used to read external media, then payment information can be obtained, but the system becomes vulnerable to fraud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a communication port to read device identification codes and transaction data from the printer device itself, creating a verified digital copy of authorization information. This eliminates the need to read from external media that can be manipulated, while ensuring accurate payment information through database-verified device codes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between the device and the authorization system. The database stores and verifies device identification codes and transaction data, acting as a trusted mediator that prevents fraud by validating information through centralized verification rather than direct reading from potentially manipulated external media
Data Source
AI summary
A document printing system may include a print engine, a controller and a communication port. The communication port can read a portable memory device, which stores an electronic secure file for authorizing the print engine. The portable memory device may store data such as the creation date for the electronic secure file. The portable memory may also store the device identification code and/or the vendor identification code. The electronic secure file may also store the creation date for the file itself, and the device identification code, the vendor identification code, or a balance amount. The system may authorize a print engine by comparing the data in the electronic secure file and data stored on the portable memory device. If the comparison of data finds a mismatch, the system may determine that the print engine is not authorized; or determine that the service is authorized if otherwise.