Relay Device for Dynamic Service Selection in Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems with printers and authentication servers struggle to efficiently manage and limit user access to various services over a network, particularly in scenarios where new services are introduced, leading to complexities in service selection and function limitations.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and communication system that includes a communication interface, display, and processor, which transmits identification information to a relay device to receive setting information about usable services, and limits function selection based on this information, allowing for dynamic control of service availability and user access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the authentication server directly manages service selection for all printers, then service access control is achieved, but the authentication load and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay device as an intermediary between the authentication server and image processing apparatus. The relay device receives service selection information from the authentication server and forwards it to the image processing apparatus, distributing the system's functional load and reducing direct authentication server burden while maintaining centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is segmented into multiple components: the authentication server handles user verification, the relay device manages service selection information distribution, and the image processing apparatus executes local service restrictions. This segmentation distributes complexity across multiple simpler components rather than concentrating it in one system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all services are made available to users, then service versatility is improved, but the difficulty of managing function limitations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts service availability based on user authentication results. The relay device receives dynamic service selection information from the authentication server and forwards it to the image processing apparatus, which then dynamically enables or disables specific functions. This allows the system to provide full service versatility when needed while simplifying management through automated dynamic restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication server provides feedback to the relay device about which services should be available to authenticated users. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically manage function limitations based on user credentials and permissions, reducing the manual complexity of managing service availability while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If the image processing apparatus independently selects services, then service selection flexibility is improved, but the control over function limitations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device receives service selection information from the authentication server in advance and forwards it to the image processing apparatus before the user attempts to access services. This preliminary action pre-configures the allowed services, allowing the image processing apparatus to operate with flexible service selection within pre-established boundaries, maintaining both ease of operation and reliable control.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: a communication interface configured to communicate with at least one server and a relay device; a processor configured to execute functions; and a controller. The controller causes the image processing apparatus to: send the relay device identification information identifying the image processing apparatus; receive, from the relay device, setting information indicating which service is usable by the image processing apparatus identified by the transmitted identification information, among services provided by the at least one server; display at least one service image respectively identifying at least one usable service of the services based on the setting information; and limit selection of at least one of the functions, based on the setting information.