Image Forming Apparatus IP-Based Data Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses lack adequate security measures, allowing unauthorized access and exposure of sensitive data when shared among multiple users over a network, as all users can access data stored in the hard disk drive without restrictions.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a storage device for security data with IP address information and an image forming controller to manage security by adding a security tag to transmitted data, allowing transmission, deletion, or printing only when IP addresses match, thereby controlling access and protecting sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image forming apparatus is shared by multiple users through a network, then the ease of operation and versatility are improved, but the security and reliability of stored data deteriorate as all users can access data without restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data access rights by associating each stored data file with specific IP address information, creating distinct access segments for different users. The security setting unit divides data into accessible and inaccessible segments based on IP address matching, allowing multi-user access while maintaining security boundaries for each user's authorized data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces IP address information as an intermediary element between the data storage system and user access requests. This intermediary mechanism mediates access control by comparing requested IP addresses with stored IP address associations, enabling secure multi-user access without requiring direct user authentication while maintaining data protection
2Reliability
If security management functions are added to control data access by IP address, then data security is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional security setting unit and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal security control mechanism where the security setting unit and image forming controller work together to provide multiple security functions (access control, transmission control, deletion control) through a single integrated IP address-based verification system. This multi-functional approach achieves comprehensive security management without requiring separate complex security subsystems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the security control parameter from traditional authentication methods to IP address-based access control. By storing and comparing IP address information as the primary security parameter, the system simplifies the security verification process while maintaining robust data protection, avoiding the need for complex user credential management systems
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus performs security management functions such as security transmission and security printing of data stored in a hard disk of the image forming apparatus and shared with a plurality of host computers through a network, to which a security tag is added for the security of the data so as to increase the security of the data. The image forming apparatus is connected to the network to be shared with the host computers to receive and store data transmitted from the host computers, and includes a storage device to store IP address information of a host computer which transmitted data and security data to which a security tag is added for the security of the transmitted data corresponding to the IP address information, and an image forming controller to perform security management function of the security data.