Device Management Server for Secure User-to-Device Reassignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional device management systems fail to prevent unauthorized data use when a device is transferred to a new user, as they do not account for changes in user ownership, leading to potential misuse of previous user's data.
Innovation Solution
A device management server that associates user identification information with device information, managing service information through a network interface, storage, and controller to ensure secure transitions by updating and transferring only necessary data to the new user while maintaining separate associations for old and new users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all data is transferred when ownership of the device is transferred, then the new user can access all previous user data, but unauthorized use of the former user's data becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transfers only the necessary service information (printing permissions, quotas, timelines) from the former user's data to the new user, while excluding personal information and other sensitive data. This selective extraction allows the new user to access essential service data without risking unauthorized use of the former user's personal information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments user data into distinct categories: service information (to be transferred) and personal information (to be excluded). By dividing the data structure into these segments, the system can selectively transfer only the appropriate portions while maintaining security and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If user data is not transferred when ownership changes, then unauthorized data use is prevented, but service continuity for the new user is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential service information needed for continued printing operations (printing permissions, quotas, timelines) and transfers this specific subset to the new user. This ensures service continuity for the new user while excluding personal information that would compromise security.
3Reliability
If comprehensive data transfer is implemented, then device management is thorough, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data management into clear categories: service information (to be transferred) and personal information (to be excluded). This segmentation simplifies the data transfer process by providing a clear decision framework, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from managing comprehensive data transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting and transferring only the necessary service information rather than all data, the patent reduces the data management burden and system complexity while maintaining reliability in the transfer process. This selective approach eliminates unnecessary data handling operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In a device management server, when a setup request is received together with user identification information and device identification information, a controller determines whether first association information is stored in a storage. The first association information associating the user identification information with first device information that includes the device identification information and first service information. When the first association information is stored, the controller stores second association information associating the user identification information with second device information. The second device information includes second service information the same as the first service information. When the first association information is not stored and the device identification information is stored, the controller stores third association information associating the user identification information with third device information. The third device information includes third service information that includes first part of the first service information but excludes second part of the first service information.