Print Job Attribute Access Control via Segmented Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In current image processing systems, when multiple operators need to view or change attributes of a shared print job, mutual exclusion control locks the attributes for all users, preventing any changes or image generation, even if only one user is viewing, leading to inefficiencies and prolonged processing times.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a receiver, sender, and limiter module that allows multiple operators to view print job attributes without locking them, while imposing limitations only on the operator making changes or generating images, ensuring that changes can be made by one operator without affecting others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mutual exclusion control is applied to lock attributes for all users when one user views them, then data consistency is ensured, but operator productivity and system efficiency deteriorate due to prolonged locking times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking mechanism from the viewing function. Instead of locking attributes when viewed, the system segments locking to occur only when changing operations are initiated. This allows multiple operators to view attributes simultaneously without mutual exclusion, while still ensuring data consistency during actual modification operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic locking where the locked state is not static but changes based on operational context. Attributes are dynamically locked only when a changing operation is started by an operator, and the locking is released when the operation completes. This dynamic approach maintains reliability during changes while improving productivity during viewing operations.
2Reliability
If attributes are locked for all users during viewing, then concurrent access conflicts are prevented, but processing time increases due to unnecessary locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the locking mechanism in advance but only activating it when truly needed. The system is ready to lock attributes if a changing operation is initiated, but does not pre-lock attributes during viewing. This prevents unnecessary time loss while maintaining the capability to prevent access conflicts when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the locking behavior based on the operation type. Viewing operations do not trigger locking, while changing operations do trigger locking. This localized application of locking ensures conflict prevention is applied only where necessary, reducing overall processing time while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If mutual exclusion control is implemented, then data integrity during changes is maintained, but system versatility deteriorates as multiple operators cannot independently access attributes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access control into viewing access and changing access. Viewing access is granted to multiple operators simultaneously without mutual exclusion, while changing access is controlled with mutual exclusion to maintain data integrity. This segmentation preserves both versatility for viewing and reliability for modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic access control where the level of restriction changes based on the operation being performed. Multiple operators can dynamically access attributes for viewing, but only one operator can dynamically modify attributes at a time. This dynamic approach maintains data integrity while improving system versatility for multi-operator collaboration.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a receiver, a sender, and a limiter. The receiver receives a viewing request to view an attribute of a print job from an operator. The print job is a job which allows plural operators to make a request to view an attribute. The sender sends the attribute of the print job in accordance with the viewing request. The limiter imposes limitations, when a changing request to change an attribute of the print job is received from the operator, so that operators other than the operator having made the changing request will be unable at least to change the attribute of the print job and to generate an image concerning the print job.