Image Processing Apparatus Approval Routing via Operation History

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems do not allow for the approval of operation requests from users without operation authority, especially when the specific approver is not present, leading to inefficiencies in the use of image processing apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that includes a processor which, upon receiving an operation request from a user without operation authority, transmits approval request information to an operation terminal based on the operation history of the image processing apparatus, enabling temporary approval through a selected approver.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the system requires a specific approver to be present for operation requests, then security and authorization control are maintained, but operation efficiency deteriorates when the approver is absent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization controlVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an operation terminal as an intermediary device that receives and processes approval requests when the specific approver is absent. The operation terminal acts as a mediator between the user requesting operation and the approval system, enabling continued operations through alternative approval channels while maintaining security controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing alternative approval pathways in advance. When a specific approver is unavailable, the pre-configured operation terminal can immediately process approval requests without requiring the original approver's presence, thus maintaining operational continuity while preserving authorization integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the system allows operation requests only from users with operation authority, then system security is maintained, but system usability deteriorates for users who need temporary access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem securityVSAvoidsystem usability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic authorization by allowing users without permanent operation authority to request temporary access. The system dynamically adjusts authorization levels based on specific operation requests and approval outcomes, enabling flexible access control that adapts to temporary needs while maintaining overall system security through the approval process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the authorization parameter temporarily for users who receive approval for specific operations. Instead of granting permanent operation authority, the system modifies the authorization state dynamically for approved operations, allowing users without operation authority to perform specific tasks when approved through the operation terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the system requires approval for all operations from users without operation authority, then operational control is maintained, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational controlVSAvoidapproval processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical presence requirement of a specific approver with an automated operation terminal system. The operation terminal electronically processes approval requests, substituting the physical presence and manual approval process with an automated digital system that can quickly evaluate and process requests without requiring the original approver's immediate involvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250294107A1Information processing system and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing information processing program
Publication Date: 2025.09.18 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US20250294107A1 patent drawing
  • US20250294107A1 patent drawing
  • US20250294107A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing system includes a processor, in which when the processor has received an operation request from a user for an operation of an image processing apparatus without operation authority, the processor transmits approval request information for the operation request to an operation terminal of the image processing apparatus determined based on an operation history of the image processing apparatus.