Provisional Cloud Printing via Short-Range Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cloud printing services face difficulties in allowing temporary or provisional use of image forming apparatuses by users who are not the registered owners or managers, especially in scenarios like public places or visits, due to the need for complex sharing settings and lack of convenience for one-time use.
Innovation Solution
A printing system that enables provisional printer settings through short-range communication, allowing users to acquire and transmit identification information between a portable terminal and an image forming apparatus, and subsequently to a cloud printing service, for temporary access and use without requiring explicit sharing settings from the owner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user registers an image forming apparatus in a cloud printing service, then the user can permanently use the apparatus, but the owner cannot allow temporary use by others without complex sharing settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically acquiring the user's identification information and the image forming apparatus's identification information through short-range communication before the user attempts to print. The cloud printing service pre-establishes the association between the user and the apparatus based on this pre-acquired information, eliminating the need for complex manual sharing settings at the time of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the user to automatically associate with the image forming apparatus through simple proximity-based communication. The user doesn't need to manually configure sharing settings or provide authentication details - the system automatically handles the registration and association processes, making temporary use as convenient as permanent use.
2Ease of operation
If the owner makes advance sharing settings in the cloud printing service, then others can use the apparatus, but the work becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the association setup in advance automatically when the user brings their portable terminal close to the image forming apparatus. The cloud printing service pre-establishes the user-apparatus linkage based on identification information acquired through short-range communication, so no manual sharing settings need to be made at the time of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/manual sharing setting process with an automated electronic identification system. Instead of requiring the owner to manually add users or configure sharing permissions in the cloud printing service, the system uses short-range communication to automatically exchange and process identification information, substituting manual operations with automated electronic processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a user wants to use an image forming apparatus at a place not scheduled to visit in advance, then temporary access is needed, but the sharing setting process becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables provisional access by performing the association setup in advance automatically when the user arrives at the location. The user brings their portable terminal close to the image forming apparatus, and the system automatically acquires both identification information and establishes the connection through short-range communication, eliminating the need for prior sharing settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces short-range communication as an intermediary mechanism between the user's portable terminal and the image forming apparatus. This intermediary enables automatic information exchange and association establishment without requiring direct manual configuration or prior setup, making provisional access feasible even for unexpected visits.
4Reliability
If the system requires explicit sharing settings from the owner, then control is maintained, but the process becomes complex and impractical for temporary use
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains access control while eliminating configuration complexity by enabling the user to automatically associate with the image forming apparatus through proximity-based short-range communication. The cloud printing service automatically verifies and establishes the association based on the identification information exchanged, maintaining security without requiring manual owner intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical process of owner intervention and sharing configuration with an automated electronic identification and verification system. Short-range communication automatically exchanges identification information, and the cloud printing service electronically verifies and establishes the association, maintaining control while eliminating the complexity of manual configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates convenient and temporary use of image forming apparatuses by users without the need for complex sharing setups, enabling seamless printing operations even in situations where advance registration or sharing settings are impractical.
Implementation Method 1
acquire identification information of the image forming apparatus in a printing service system from the image forming apparatus by a short-range communication
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system includes an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and the information processing apparatus includes: an acquiring unit that acquires identification information of the image forming apparatus in a printing service system from the image forming apparatus by a short-range communication; and a transmitting unit that transmits, to the printing service system, a setting request which contains the identification information of the image forming apparatus acquired by the acquiring unit and identification information of a user in the printing service system and which is a request for making a setting for permitting the user to use the image forming apparatus; and the image forming apparatus includes a holding unit that holds the identification information of the image forming apparatus in the printing service system in such a form that the identification information can be acquired by the acquiring unit of the information processing apparatus.