Image Forming Apparatus Webmail Attachment via Embedded Browser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses are limited in sending scanned files via email, particularly when using webmail services like Naver or Google, as they require pre-set SMTP servers and cannot handle multiple domain addresses, restricting the use of network scan functions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves logging into an external webmail server using an embedded web browser in the image forming apparatus, selecting files to attach, and sending them through a user-friendly web interface, allowing for file attachment and sending via webmail, even when portal sites do not allow SMTP access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SMTP server is previously set in the image forming apparatus to perform scan-to-email function, then email can be sent through SMTP protocol, but only one SMTP server can be set and cannot handle multiple domain addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a webmail server as an intermediary between the image forming apparatus and the destination. Instead of directly configuring multiple SMTP servers in the apparatus, the system uses a web-based interface where the apparatus can access and send emails through the webmail server's interface, which handles the complexity of multiple domain configurations centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The webmail server provides a universal interface that can handle multiple domain addresses and email sending requirements through a single unified system. The image forming apparatus accesses this multi-functional service through a standard web browser, eliminating the need for separate SMTP configurations for each domain.
2Ease of operation
If portal site does not allow SMTP accesses, then email can only be sent through web browser, but cannot use scan-to-email function that uses SMTP
Solution Approach 1:
The webmail server acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the image forming apparatus and the portal site. It provides an SMTP-like interface through a web browser, allowing the apparatus to send emails via SMTP protocol while the portal site handles the actual delivery through its web-based interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SMTP servers are configured in the image forming apparatus to support different domains, then can send emails to different domains, but increases configuration complexity and cannot be easily changed
Solution Approach 1:
The webmail server serves as a central intermediary that manages multiple domain configurations. Instead of configuring each domain's SMTP settings individually in the image forming apparatus, all domain routing is handled through the webmail server's centralized management interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration of email routing through the webmail server interface. The image forming apparatus can access updated domain configurations in real-time through the web browser, eliminating the need for static pre-configuration and allowing easy changes when new domains are added.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus which logs into an external webmail server by using a web browser included in the image forming apparatus, the webmail is written on a webpage of the webmail server, a file to be attached to the webmail is selected, and the selected file is attached to the webmail so as to send the webmail to the webmail server.