Image Processing Apparatus Authentication Print Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image data is inadvertently disclosed to users when transferred to a different apparatus without authentication information, despite settings intended to prevent printing until authentication is inputted.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus with authentication print settings that only execute printing and transfer of image data after authentication information is inputted, and a transfer unit that manages the transfer of image data based on these settings, ensuring that data is not disclosed until authentication is validated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If image data is transferred to a different apparatus without authentication verification, then transfer speed and convenience are improved, but data security and confidentiality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer speedVSAvoiddata security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication verification before transferring image data to a different apparatus. The authentication print settings are checked in advance, and only after valid authentication information is input does the transfer proceed. This preliminary action ensures data security is maintained while enabling efficient transfer when authentication succeeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If authentication verification is required before transferring image data, then data security is improved, but transfer time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidtransfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing authentication print settings and authentication information input mechanisms that are already part of the normal printing workflow. The same authentication interface and validation logic used for printing are leveraged for transfer authentication, eliminating the need for separate authentication systems and reducing additional time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If authentication print settings are enforced for all image data operations, then data confidentiality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata confidentialityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the presence and configuration of authentication print settings. When such settings are configured, authentication is required for both printing and transfer operations. When not configured, the system operates without authentication requirements, maintaining ease of operation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to balance security and usability based on specific operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11632484B2Image processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium for preventing disclosure of contents of image data

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes: a setting unit that makes authentication print settings such that when authentication information is inputted after image data is received, printing is executed based on the image data; and a transfer unit that, when the image data is received with the authentication print settings, in response to input of the authentication information, transfers the image data to a different apparatus, and when the image data is received without the authentication print settings, transfers the image data to the different apparatus regardless of input of the authentication information.