User-Specific Device Application Distribution via Server Mediation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In a shared printer environment, existing systems do not allow for user-specific device applications, leading to a lack of customization and control over device settings for multiple users.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a device and a server that store user-specific device identifiers and metadata, enabling the distribution of tailored device applications to information processing terminals based on user identification, allowing each user to have a unique device application for controlling the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a common device application is installed for all users connecting to the same device, then the device can be operated by any user, but all users must use the same device application without user-specific customization options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-specific device applicationVSAvoiddevice application distribution system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device application distribution by creating user-specific associations between device identifiers and application identifiers. Each user receives a tailored device application based on their user ID, rather than a common application for all users. This is achieved through the server storing multiple device applications in the app storing unit, each associated with different device identifiers, and selecting the appropriate application based on the user's device identifier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary between the device and the information processing terminal. It receives the device identifier from the terminal, queries the stored associations to find the corresponding application identifier, and then distributes the appropriate device application. This intermediary role enables user-specific application distribution without requiring direct complex logic in the terminal or device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If user-specific device applications are distributed to each user, then each user can have customized control over the device, but the system requires storing and managing multiple device identifiers and application associations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-specific device controlVSAvoidstored data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the device application specific to each user's needs and preferences. The server stores device identifiers and application identifiers in association with each user, allowing the system to deliver the right application to the right user. This user-specific approach enables customized device control interfaces and settings tailored to individual user requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing the associations between device identifiers and application identifiers in the server before actual device connection occurs. When a user connects their terminal to the device, the server already has the mapping information ready, enabling quick and automatic distribution of the correct device application without requiring real-time analysis or user selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single device application is used by all users, then the system is simple to manage, but users cannot configure device settings according to their individual needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice setting customizationVSAvoidapplication distribution mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics by making the device application distribution flexible and adaptive rather than static. The server dynamically selects which device application to distribute based on the user's device identifier at the moment of connection. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different user preferences and requirements while maintaining a streamlined distribution mechanism through automated server-side selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3499359B1System, device, method and program
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • EP3499359B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3499359B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3499359B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A device identifies an information processing terminal (200) and transmits a device identifier (101) associated with the user to the information processing terminal. A server (300) receives the device identifier from the information processing terminal and then transmits device metadata (302) associated with the device identifier to the information processing terminal. The information processing terminal extracts an app identifier from the device metadata (302) and transmits a distribution request (40) for a device app (303) including the extracted app identifier to the server.