Image Processing System Authorization Notification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-function peripherals (MFPs) fail to clearly indicate which functions are authorized for individual image data, leading to poor usability.

Innovation Solution

An MFP system that includes an authorization table to determine and display authorized functions for each image file based on user information and file attributes, providing clear notification through a user interface, allowing users to understand which functions are enabled or disabled.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If function limitation is implemented according to user information or file attribute, then security and control are improved, but usability deteriorates because users cannot grasp which functions are authorized for individual image data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction authorization controlVSAvoidusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to users about function authorization status by displaying authorized functions in the operation panel and printing authorization results on sheets. This feedback mechanism allows users to understand which functions are authorized for each image data without compromising security control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The operation panel and printed sheets serve as intermediaries between the authorization control system and the user. These intermediaries translate complex authorization data into user-friendly information, enabling users to grasp function authorization status without exposing underlying control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If detailed function authorization information is provided for each image data, then usability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveusabilityVSAvoidauthorization management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authorization information is segmented and presented separately for each image data item in the operation panel and on printed sheets. This segmentation allows detailed information to be displayed without overwhelming the user, as each item is processed and displayed independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary processing to determine and prepare authorization information before it is displayed to the user. The control unit pre-calculates and organizes authorization data, reducing the complexity of real-time processing and display operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2282515B1Image processing system and image processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP2282515B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2282515B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2282515B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An image processing system that executes plural functions with respect to image data, the image processing system including: a decision unit that decides whether or not a function among the plural functions is authorized to be executed with respect to the image data; and a notification unit that identifiably notifies an authorized function, which is authorized to be executed with respect to the image data, and an unauthorized function, which is not authorized to be executed with respect to the image data, decided by the decision unit.