Printer Status Feedback Mechanism for Function Restriction Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in determining whether a printer is function-restricted without attempting a print command, leading to unnecessary print commands and misunderstandings about print settings, especially in mixed environments with restricted and unrestricted printers.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with an output unit, receiving unit, and controller that continuously displays the function-restricted status of a printer, allowing users to recognize restrictions without printing, thereby preventing incorrect print commands and settings modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If function restriction is set at the printer side, then printer security and control are improved, but user awareness of restriction status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the printer transmits restriction status information back to the information processing apparatus, which then displays it to the user. This allows users to be informed about function restrictions without compromising the restriction itself, resolving the contradiction between maintaining security and providing user awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the printer and the user. It receives restriction status information from the printer and presents it to the user in an understandable format, thereby bridging the information gap without affecting the printer's security settings.
2Device complexity
If print command is required to check function status, then printer control is maintained, but user convenience and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary acquisition of restriction status information from the printer before any print command is executed. The information processing apparatus retrieves and displays this status in advance, allowing users to check printer availability without performing actual printing operations, thus saving time and resources.
3Reliability
If function restriction information is not displayed, then printer security is maintained, but print setting accuracy and user understanding deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback about function restriction status to the user through the information processing apparatus. This allows users to understand which functions are restricted and adjust their print settings accordingly, improving setting accuracy while maintaining printer security through the informational rather than control-based approach.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus, comprising: an output unit for outputting output information to a user; a receiving unit for receiving function-restricting information showing whether a printer is in a function-restricted status, from the printer in which utilization of a predetermined function is restricted where it is set that utilization of the predetermined function is restricted in the second print setting existing in the printer side even where it is set that the predetermined function equipped by the printer is utilized in the first print setting existing in the information processing apparatus side; and a controller for controlling so as to always output via the output unit the output information showing whether the printer is in the function-restricted status, based on the function restricting information received by the receiving unit.