Image Processing Apparatus Unauthorized Print Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing systems allow users to select and execute printing conditions beyond their permitted settings, leading to unauthorized printing operations.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that includes a processor configured to transmit incapability information to an external server, correlating it with user account information, and generating a selection screen that excludes setting specifications, ensuring only permitted settings are used for image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If capability information representing all printing conditions that the printer can execute is transmitted to the storage management server, then the user can select from all available printing conditions, but the user can also select printing conditions not permitted to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The capability information is segmented into two distinct parts: permitted printing conditions and unpermitted printing conditions. The server receives and processes these separately, enabling it to distinguish between conditions the user is allowed to select and those they are not. This segmentation prevents the user from selecting unpermitted conditions while still providing access to all permitted options.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage management server acts as an intermediary between the printer and the personal computer. It receives capability information from the printer, correlates it with user account information and permission settings, and then generates a filtered print settings screen that only displays permitted printing conditions. This intermediary role ensures that unauthorized conditions are blocked before reaching the user interface.
2Ease of operation
If a print settings screen based on capability information is displayed on the personal computer, then the user can select desired printing conditions, but the user can select conditions beyond their permitted settings
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary filtering of printing conditions before generating the print settings screen. By correlating capability information with user permission settings in advance, the server pre-determines which conditions should be displayed and which should be hidden. This preliminary action ensures that only permitted conditions are presented to the user, preventing unauthorized selections before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the server continuously monitors and controls the printing conditions available to the user based on their permission settings. The server receives capability information from the printer, processes it against user permissions, and dynamically adjusts the print settings screen to reflect only authorized options. This feedback loop ensures compliance with user restrictions.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image processing apparatus, a processor transmits to the server a first registration request including incapability information. The incapability information indicates that any of a plurality of settings for an image process is incapable of being designated. The processor receives from the server a first function execution instruction including the account information, and first relation information which is related to a fact that no setting for the image process is specified. The processor acquires from a memory setting specification information correlated with the account information. The processor displays a specification screen for prompting a user to specify one setting from among one or more settings for the image process specified by the acquired setting specification information. In a case where the user specifies a first setting via the specification screen, the processor controls an image processing execution unit to execute the image process in accordance with the first setting.