Image Processing Apparatus Lock Control via Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing apparatuses face challenges in securely locking settings to prevent accidental changes, particularly in public facilities where settings can be inadvertently altered by other users, and in office environments where users must frequently reset settings for different usage scenarios, leading to reduced convenience.
Innovation Solution
The image processing apparatus allows setting restrictions to be configured such that cancellation can only be permitted from an information processing apparatus connected via a network, enabling users to lock settings and control access through both the operation unit and the connected PC, ensuring settings are not accidentally changed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock of settings can be cancelled only from an information processing apparatus connected via network, then security against unintended changes is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lock cancellation capability adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit can dynamically switch between two operational modes: one where lock cancellation is permitted only from the information processing apparatus, and another where lock cancellation is permitted from both the operation unit and the information processing apparatus. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize between security and convenience based on actual usage scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If the lock of settings can be cancelled from the operation unit, then user convenience is improved, but security against unintended changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the lock cancellation permissions based on the selected operational mode. In the first mode, only the information processing apparatus can cancel locks, providing high security. In the second mode, both the operation unit and information processing apparatus can cancel locks, providing high convenience. The control unit enables flexible switching between these modes to balance security and convenience requirements.
3Reliability
If settings are locked to prevent accidental changes, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to different usage scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the lock setting state itself to be adjustable. Users can switch between a locked state (where settings are protected and cannot be changed) and an unlocked state (where settings can be modified). This dynamic control enables the system to maintain setting stability when needed while providing adaptability when users need to adjust settings for different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to pre-configured lock settings through the information processing apparatus before actual usage. By establishing lock/unlock states in advance and enabling mode switching, the system prepares the appropriate configuration level (high security or high adaptability) before usage scenarios arise, eliminating the need for frequent reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus is configured to accept an operation instruction from an operation unit of the image processing apparatus and, via a network, an operation instruction from an information processing apparatus. A restriction is set on change in a setting of the image processing apparatus. Whether to permit cancellation of the restriction setting is set. A control is made in such a way that the cancellation of the restriction setting is permitted in a case where the cancellation of the restriction setting is set to be permitted. A control is made in such a way that the cancellation of the restriction setting is not permitted in a case where the cancellation of the restriction setting is set not to be permitted. An instruction from the information processing apparatus is accepted to cancel the restriction setting regardless of the setting of whether to permit the cancellation of the restriction setting.