Print Account Authority Settings for Secure Guest Job Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems issue guest accounts for temporary printing without considering the authority settings for printing jobs, leading to potential misuse and lack of flexibility in managing user permissions.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that allows for flexible setting of authority related to printing by issuing and managing second accounts (slave accounts) with specific permissions, including valid periods, issuing and execution authorities, and expense burdens, using a server to manage and communicate these settings across a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If guest accounts are issued for temporary printing without authority settings, then users can perform printing temporarily, but the system lacks flexibility in managing user permissions and is prone to misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user authority into distinct components: issuing authority (to create printing jobs) and execution authority (to execute printing jobs). These authorities can be independently assigned to different accounts, allowing fine-grained control over printing permissions while maintaining system security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different authority levels to different accounts based on their specific roles and needs. Each account can have customized issuing and execution authorities tailored to its function, rather than applying a uniform permission structure across all users
2Ease of operation
If traditional guest accounts are used without authority differentiation, then simple temporary printing is enabled, but expense allocation and user accountability cannot be properly managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring authority settings and expense allocation rules when accounts are created. The system预先 establishes issuing and execution authorities, valid periods, and expense burden assignments, enabling automatic tracking and accountability before printing operations occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that track and record which account issued each printing job and which account executes it. This creates an auditable trail that provides feedback on expense allocation and usage patterns, enabling proper cost management while maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a communication processing unit and a setting unit. The communication processing unit receives information regarding issuing of a second account associated with a first account input by a terminal. The setting unit sets one or both of an issuing authority of a printing job in the second account and an execution authority for the printing job related to the second account based on the information received by the communication processing unit.