Network Printing System with QR Code Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming systems face challenges in interoperability between different types of multifunction copiers, where a function used in one copier cannot be utilized in another, and print settings and histories are not transferable, making it difficult for users to access and understand print settings across different devices.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes a server, user terminal, and image forming device connected via a network, where the server stores print data with user authentication information and issues a code for the image forming device to read, allowing seamless transmission and display of print settings and histories, enabling quick and easy network printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional print service systems are used where users select from registered image forming devices, then printing can be performed on registered devices, but print settings and histories cannot be shared between different types of multifunction copiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that stores print data, settings, and histories in association with user authentication information. This server acts as a mediator between the user terminal and various image forming devices, enabling seamless access to print settings across different device types without requiring direct device registration or compatibility between devices.
2Productivity
If users manually access print service systems to select image forming devices, then printing can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing print data, settings, and histories on the server in association with user authentication information before the actual printing operation. When a user wants to print, the system quickly retrieves pre-stored settings rather than requiring users to manually configure them, significantly reducing the time needed to access and configure print settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses QR codes as a simplified copy mechanism to transmit user authentication information and print job identifiers from the user terminal to the image forming device. Instead of requiring complex device selection and setting configuration, the system creates a simplified digital copy (QR code) that encapsulates all necessary information, enabling rapid printing setup.
3Ease of operation
If users store print data on one device and print on another, then flexibility is provided, but users cannot grasp the print settings intentions of the data storer
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by displaying the original print settings and history information on the user terminal after QR code scanning. This allows users to review the print settings intentions of the data storer before executing the print job, providing transparency and enabling informed decisions about whether to proceed with the stored settings or modify them.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes: a server; a user terminal; and an image forming device, wherein the server includes: a server storage that stores print data in association with user authentication information; and a code issuer that issues a code, the server transmits the code, and, acquires the print data and transmits the print data, the user terminal includes: a terminal display, the image forming device includes: a code reader that reads the code; a display; an operation acceptor that accepts a command; and an image former, and the image forming device, when the code reader acquires the user authentication information, transmits the user authentication information, when the print data is received, displays a print setting screen, when the operation acceptor accepts a print setting, displays a print setting completion screen, and, when the operation acceptor accepts a print command, causes the image former to form an image.