Image Forming Apparatus Print Speed Setting via Mobile Key Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses without network communication capabilities cannot change their factory-set print speeds due to the lack of a communication function for receiving license data from a network-connected server.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates and transfers key data based on unique apparatus information and designated print speed via a mobile terminal, allowing the image forming apparatus to specify and set the print speed without network communication, using encryption and decryption processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the image forming apparatus is made incapable of network communication to simplify the device, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to change print speed via license data from a server is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile terminal acts as an intermediary device between the server and the image forming apparatus. The server sends license data to the mobile terminal, which then transmits the extracted key data to the image forming apparatus via wireless communication. This mediator enables print speed change capability without requiring the apparatus itself to have network communication functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image forming apparatus includes network communication capability to enable print speed change, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network communication function is extracted from the image forming apparatus and placed in the mobile terminal. The apparatus retains only the essential printing function and a simple wireless communication capability to receive key data, while the complex network communication tasks are performed externally by the mobile terminal.
3Ease of operation
If key data is transmitted through other communication devices to enable print speed setting, then ease of operation is improved, but security of key data transmission is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal serves as a secure intermediary that directly communicates with both the server and the image forming apparatus. It extracts key data from license data received from the server and transmits it to the apparatus, avoiding transmission through untrusted intermediate devices while maintaining ease of operation through wireless communication.
Data Source
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AI summary
A print speed setting system (100C) includes an information processing system and an image forming apparatus (4) capable of varying a print speed. The information processing system generates key data based on unique information unique to the image forming apparatus (4) and a designated print speed of the image forming apparatus (4), and outputs the generated key data to a mobile terminal (2) capable of wirelessly communicating with the image forming apparatus (4) without passing through other communication devices. The image forming apparatus (4) acquires the key data from the mobile terminal (2), specifies the designated print speed based on the acquired key data and the unique information of the image forming apparatus (4), and sets a print speed of the image forming apparatus (4) to the specified designated print speed.