Image Forming Apparatus Set Value Storage Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in storing set values in desired memory areas, particularly when new functions are added, as existing methods require changes to the system program and lack efficient management of set values across different memory areas.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes an operation device, a first storage unit, a setting unit, a determination unit, and an application unit that determine the storage destination for set values based on their sensitivity, encrypting sensitive information and storing it in a secure memory area while storing non-sensitive information in a shared memory area, allowing flexible and secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If set values are stored in a specified memory area for each application, then the storage management becomes simple, but it becomes difficult to store set values in desired memory areas for various purposes and applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into multiple storage areas (first storage area for sensitive information, second storage area for non-sensitive information) and introduces a determination unit that segments the decision-making process for storing set values. This segmentation allows different types of information to be stored in appropriate locations without requiring complex manual management.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit acts as an intermediary between the setting unit and the storage areas. It receives information about the set value to be stored, determines the appropriate storage destination based on predetermined criteria, and directs the storage operation. This intermediary component enables flexible storage destination selection while maintaining automated management.
2Productivity
If sensitive information is stored in plaintext, then reading and writing operations are fast and simple, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments information based on sensitivity levels, storing sensitive information (requiring security) separately from non-sensitive information (prioritizing access speed). This segmentation allows the system to apply different storage strategies to different types of data, maintaining both security and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different storage qualities are applied to different storage areas: the first storage area is designed with security-focused characteristics (encrypted storage) while the second storage area uses performance-optimized characteristics (plaintext storage). This local quality differentiation ensures that security requirements are met for sensitive data without compromising overall system performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system program is changed to support new functions with new set values, then the functionality is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit is designed with universal functionality that can handle multiple types of set values and determine appropriate storage destinations using predetermined criteria. This universal mechanism supports new functions and applications without requiring changes to the core system program, as it automatically adapts to different data types and storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service for storing set values by automatically determining the appropriate storage destination without requiring manual intervention or system program changes. The determination unit autonomously evaluates set values and directs them to appropriate storage areas, allowing new functions to be integrated simply by adding the corresponding applications rather than modifying the system program.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (100) includes an operation device (110) coupled to the image forming apparatus and configured to accept an operation to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes: a first storage unit (FN1, 214) configured to store a set value to be used by the image forming apparatus or the operation device; a setting unit (FN2, 215) configured to accept an operation of writing or reading the set value; a determination unit (FN3, 211) configured to determine a type of a process to be performed on the set value; and an application unit (FN5, 211) configured to perform the process in accordance with a determination result, to encrypt the set value and store the encrypted set value in the first storage unit, write the set value to a second storage unit (FN4, 214), or read the set value from the second storage unit.