Function Executing Device Environment Change Deletion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack an efficient method for automatically deleting setting information from a function executing device when its installation environment changes, potentially leading to security and privacy issues.

Innovation Solution

A function executing device and a server system that communicate to detect changes in the installation environment, allowing the device to receive a deletion instruction from the server and delete specific setting information accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If setting information is retained in the function executing device, then device functionality and user convenience are improved, but security and privacy risks increase when installation environment changes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsetting information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The server acts as an intermediary between the function executing device and the setting information management. When environment change is detected, the device communicates with the server, which then provides deletion instructions. This intermediary mechanism enables secure, controlled deletion of setting information without requiring direct user intervention on the device, resolving the contradiction between retaining information for functionality and deleting it for security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If automatic deletion of setting information is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The function executing device automatically performs environment monitoring and initiates deletion processes without requiring user intervention. The device self-detects environment changes, communicates with the server, and executes deletion based on server instructions. This self-service approach automates the security mechanism, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If environment monitoring and automatic deletion processes are added, then security control is improved, but loss of time and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity controlVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic environment monitoring at predetermined intervals rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic action approach provides timely security control when environment changes occur, while minimizing processing overhead and time loss by not requiring constant monitoring. The balance between security control and processing efficiency is achieved through this periodic detection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250055952A1Function executing device, server, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing computer-readable instructions for function executing device
Publication Date: 2025.02.13 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • US20250055952A1 patent drawing
  • US20250055952A1 patent drawing
  • US20250055952A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A function executing device may include a memory storing a plurality of setting information corresponding to a plurality of setting items; and a controller. The controller may be configured to: acquire environmental information related to an installation environment of the function executing device; determine whether the installation environment of the function executing device has changed by using the environmental information; in a case where it is determined that the installation environment of the function executing device has changed, send change information to a server; in a case where the change information is sent to the server and a deletion request is provided to the server from a user of the function executing device, receive a deletion instruction from the server; and in a case where the deletion instruction is received from the server, delete at least one setting information of the plurality of setting information from the memory.