Print Job Authority Control Using Master-Slave Accounts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack flexibility in setting authorities for guest accounts, particularly in managing printing jobs, leading to inefficiencies and potential misuse.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that allows for flexible setting of authority related to printing jobs through the issuance and management of slave accounts, including features such as valid periods, issuing and execution authorities, and expense burdens, managed by a server and terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If guest accounts are issued to users who do not generate accounts for temporary printing, then temporary printing access is enabled, but flexibility in setting authorities for printing jobs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments account management by introducing a hierarchical structure with master accounts and slave accounts. Master accounts can issue slave accounts to guests, and each account type has distinct authority levels. This segmentation allows flexible permission setting without requiring complex monolithic account management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different authority settings for different accounts and printing jobs. Each master account can customize the issuing authority and execution authority for their specific slave accounts, enabling tailored permission levels for different users and scenarios rather than uniform authorization.
2Productivity
If traditional account systems are used for printing management, then account issuance is simple, but management efficiency and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring users to log in with master accounts before they can issue slave accounts or printing jobs. This preliminary authentication step ensures that only authorized users can create accounts or jobs, enhancing security while maintaining efficient account issuance through the automated master-slave relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback mechanisms where the server manages and tracks the relationships between master and slave accounts, monitoring which accounts can issue jobs and which can execute them. This feedback loop ensures security compliance while maintaining efficient management through centralized control.
3Reliability
If flexible authority settings are implemented for slave accounts, then printing job security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by defining specific authority parameters (issuing authority and execution authority) that can be independently set for each slave account. This parameter-based approach allows flexible security configuration through simple yes/no or level-based settings, avoiding complex security models while maintaining strong security controls.
Data Source
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.