Server-Mediated Image Forming Service Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face security concerns when multiple users access the same network for shared image forming device operations, as this can lead to potential security breaches.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where users can register and share image forming devices and services securely through a server, allowing independent users to connect and use services while maintaining network security by using user registration information, device identification, and service information management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users access the same network for shared image forming device operations, then service sharing capability is improved, but network security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between users and image forming devices. The server manages user registration information, device identification information, and service information, mediating all access requests. This intermediary architecture enables multiple users to share services while the server enforces security controls, preventing direct peer-to-peer network exposure and thus resolving the contradiction between service sharing and network security.
2Ease of operation
If users are allowed to share image forming devices through network access, then user convenience is improved, but security breach risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring user registration and authentication before granting access to image forming devices. The server stores user registration information, device identification information, and service information in advance, and validates user credentials before allowing service access. This preliminary authentication mechanism enables convenient service sharing while preventing unauthorized access, thus resolving the contradiction between user convenience and security reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a centralized server manages user registration and service information, then network security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional server that handles multiple tasks: storing user registration information, storing device identification information, storing service information, authenticating users, managing service sharing permissions, and coordinating image forming operations. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single server platform, the system achieves improved network security without proportionally increasing complexity, as the server performs multiple security and management functions through integrated software modules rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method performed at a client device includes establishing a connection with a server to provide users with services being associated with image forming devices, by using first user registration information of a first user, receiving from the server first service information about a first service associated with a first image forming device registered for the first user, displaying the first service information through a user interface device of the client device to receive user identification information about a second user through the user interface device, and transmitting to the server the received user identification information about the second user such that the server provides the second user with the first service associated with the first image forming device.