Fax Output Routing via Cloud Intermediary for Secure Remote Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face security issues when users are outside the company, as they cannot check received data via the cloud and remote access can change settings, compromising security.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that allows users to remotely set the output destination of received data, such as printing or cloud upload, via instruction information included in the fax data, ensuring secure access and control from outside the company.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If received data is set to be printed locally, then security is improved by preventing external access, but the user cannot check the content of the fax from outside the company
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data access function into two independent paths: local printing and cloud upload. This allows the system to provide both secure local processing and remote accessibility without compromising security, as each path operates independently with its own access control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cloud server as an intermediary between the image forming apparatus and the user's external device. The cloud server receives fax data, stores it temporarily, and allows authorized access from external devices, thereby enabling remote data checking without direct access to the internal apparatus, thus maintaining security while providing accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus allows remote access for checking data, then ease of operation is improved, but security is compromised due to potential remote setting changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control where the system adapts its security measures based on the operation being performed. For data viewing operations, the cloud server provides accessible interfaces. For setting changes, the system requires authentication and validates the source, dynamically adjusting security requirements based on the requested action to balance accessibility and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the image forming apparatus receives notifications about setting changes and can verify the authenticity of remote commands. The cloud server also provides feedback to users about data availability and access status, enabling secure remote monitoring while preventing unauthorized modifications through validation protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cloud upload is enabled for received data, then remote access capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cloud-based data management system that handles multiple functions through a single infrastructure. The cloud server provides data storage, retrieval, and transmission capabilities that serve both fax data and other document types, while the image forming apparatus maintains a standardized interface for both cloud upload and local printing operations, reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system includes: a processor configured to: set, in a case where instruction information for providing an instruction to set an output destination of received data to any one of printing using a printing apparatus or upload to an external device is included in received fax data, the output destination of the data received from an outside according to the instruction provided by the instruction information.