User-Specific Version Management in Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing license management systems for image forming apparatuses do not effectively manage different versions of the same program, leading to inconvenience when multiple users share the same apparatus, as they cannot introduce preferred versions of functions individually.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a login unit, program storage unit, function introduction unit, user information storage unit, and function providing unit that stores and manages license information and version information associated with user IDs, allowing users to access specific versions of programs based on their licenses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If license management is performed in units of apparatuses, then the apparatus can use the application, but multiple users cannot access their preferred versions simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversion selection flexibilityVSAvoidlicense management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the license management system into user-specific license information and apparatus-specific license information. Each user has their own license data stored in the user management unit, allowing individual version preferences while maintaining overall system coordination through the license management controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a user dimension to the traditional apparatus-based license management. By storing license information associated with user IDs rather than just apparatus identifiers, the system enables multi-user access with individual version selections on the same apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the same apparatus stores multiple versions of the same program, then users can access their preferred versions, but the program storage capacity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidprogram storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing multiple versions of programs in the program storage unit before user selection. The version selection unit allows users to choose their preferred version from the pre-available options, eliminating the need for real-time version conversion or external downloads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by storing different program versions in the same storage unit but making them accessible through user-specific selection. Each user accesses only their licensed version locally, while the storage unit efficiently manages multiple versions through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system manages license information for multiple users, then each user can access their licensed versions, but the information processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-user supportVSAvoidinformation processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing the license management unit to handle multiple user license informations through a single unified interface. The version selection unit serves all users by selecting appropriate program versions based on their individual license data, eliminating the need for separate management systems for each user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the version selection unit as an intermediary between the user management unit and the program storage unit. This intermediary component processes user requests, consults license information, and retrieves appropriate versions, simplifying the overall information flow and reducing processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8997250B2Image forming apparatus, equipment system, and computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a login unit configured to receive a login of a user; a program storage unit; a function introduction unit configured to obtain a first program licensed to the user and license information of the first program, and to store the first program and the license information in the program storage unit without deleting a second program that is a different version of the first program from the program storage unit; a user information storage unit configured to store user information that registers license information of introduced programs and version information with user IDs; and a function providing unit configured to specify license information and version information that are associated with a user ID of a user who logs into the image forming apparatus in order to provide a function realized by a program corresponding to the license information and the version information to the user.