Image Forming Apparatus ROM Capacity Reduction via Segmented Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-cost image forming apparatuses face memory capacity issues due to the need to store writing restriction information in ROM, leading to increased costs when accessing a management server for security policy compliance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a processor and memory-based system that generates and stores restriction information for modifying setting values in a separate storage unit, reducing the data stored in ROM and allowing access control without constant server connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If writing restriction information is saved in ROM, then access control can be performed at activation time, but ROM capacity is pressed and device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into multiple storage units: ROM for storing security policy data and at least one writable storage unit (such as HDD or SSD) for storing writing restriction information. This segmentation allows the system to maintain access control functionality while avoiding ROM capacity constraints, as the writing restriction information is stored in the larger-capacity writable storage unit instead.
2Reliability
If writing restriction information is saved in ROM, then security policy compliance is ensured, but device cost increases due to higher ROM capacity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage architecture into ROM (for security policies) and separate writable storage units (for writing restriction information). This allows low-cost devices to use smaller ROM capacity while still maintaining full security policy compliance, as the writing restriction information is obtained from external sources and stored in the writable storage unit during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external information processing apparatus (such as a server or management system) that provides the writing restriction information to the image forming apparatus. This intermediary allows the device to obtain up-to-date writing restriction information without needing to pre-store all possible restriction data in ROM, thereby reducing ROM capacity requirements and device cost.
3Quantity of substance
If writing restriction information is not saved in ROM, then ROM capacity is preserved, but access control cannot be performed without external server connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by obtaining and storing writing restriction information in the writable storage unit during initial setup or before it is needed for access control operations. This allows the image forming apparatus to perform access control independently without requiring real-time connection to an external server, while still maintaining reduced ROM capacity requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with a security policy regarding a setting value of an information processing apparatus, restriction information indicating whether to restrict modification of the setting value of information processing apparatus stored in a first storage unit is generated and stored in a second storage unit different to the first storage unit. Based on the restriction information stored in the second storage unit, modification of the setting value of the information processing apparatus is restricted.