Input Restriction Management for Printing Apparatus During Active Jobs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multifunction peripherals (MFPs) inconvenience users by locking the input display unit during jobs, such as copying or FTP transmission, leading to reduced user convenience due to the display of a panel lock screen that restricts input.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a job manager, input-unit controller, operational status manager, and panel restriction controller that manages job execution, controls screen display, and receives input restriction notifications from an authentication device, allowing for the cancellation or imposition of input restrictions based on operational status and display levels, ensuring seamless user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the authentication device sends an input restriction notification during job execution, then security is improved by limiting user input, but user convenience deteriorates due to interruption of ongoing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system checks the operational status before applying input restriction. By preliminarily determining whether a job is in progress, the system can defer the restriction action until appropriate, preventing interruption of ongoing operations while still maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on operational status. When a job is in progress, the system defers input restriction; when idle, it applies restriction normally. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between security and user convenience
2Reliability
If the panel lock screen is displayed during job execution, then input security is improved, but job processing continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily checks whether a job is currently executing before displaying the panel lock screen. This preliminary assessment prevents the lock screen from appearing during active job processing, maintaining both security and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the operational status manager to determine when to display the lock screen. By continuously monitoring job execution status and responding accordingly, the system ensures security measures do not interfere with ongoing operations
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes an input unit configured to receive an user's input, a display configured to display a status of the image processing apparatus, and a controller configured to limit an operation of the input unit. The controller is configured, if the image processing apparatus is not in progress of any image processing when a certain condition is satisfied, to display information of the limitation of the operation of the input unit at the display. The controller is configured, if the image processing apparatus is in process of an image processing when the certain condition is satisfied, to display a status of the image process at the display, and then to display the information of the limitation at the display after the image process is completed.