Image Forming Apparatus Application Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack the ability to selectively enable or disable the use of specific applications after user login, leading to inefficiencies in managing application access.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control section that starts applications based on login state and authentication settings, enabling automatic authentication for certain applications and requiring manual login for others, allowing for granular control over application access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus allows users to access any installed application after login, then application accessibility is improved, but application management flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different application access rights for different users. Each user can be assigned specific permission settings that allow them to access only designated applications, thereby maintaining ease of operation for authorized users while achieving flexible application management through user-specific access control.
2Reliability
If the image forming apparatus requires manual login for all applications, then authentication security is improved, but operation convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring permission settings for applications before user access. The system stores authentication information and permission settings in advance, allowing users to access designated applications without requiring manual re-authentication each time, thus maintaining security while improving operational convenience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the image forming apparatus enables selective application access based on login state, then application access control is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a unified permission management mechanism that handles multiple application access scenarios through a single system framework. The control unit centrally manages authentication information and permission settings for all applications, providing consistent access control across different application types without requiring separate complex control mechanisms for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises a storage section configured to store a setting indicating one of a first condition for permitting start of an application both in a login state and in a logout state and a second condition for permitting start of the application only in the login state; a receiving section configured to receive an instruction to start the application; and a control section configured to start the application if the first condition is set for the application or start the application on condition that the image forming apparatus is in the login state if the second condition is set for the application in response to a start instruction in a logout state.