Remote Operation Permission Segmentation for Image Processors

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for connecting mobile terminals to image processing apparatuses face challenges in restricting unintended operations, particularly when multiple terminals are connected, as they either restrict all but one user or risk unintended operations from multiple users.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that identifies user permissions and allows remote operations only within the scope of granted permissions, with a parent user designating permissions for non-parent users and managing priority levels to prevent unintended operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If remote operations are restricted to only the connected mobile terminal, then exclusive operation by the connected user is ensured, but convenience for other users who share the image processing apparatus is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexclusive operationVSAvoidconvenience for shared users

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments remote operation permissions by creating different permission levels (administrator permission and general permission). The image processing apparatus is divided into multiple terminal connection groups, with the first terminal receiving administrator permission and subsequent terminals receiving general permission. This segmentation allows multiple users to access the apparatus simultaneously with appropriate permission levels, resolving the contradiction between exclusive operation and shared convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different terminals are assigned different permission qualities based on their connection order and user roles. The first terminal receives higher-level administrator permission that allows unrestricted remote operations, while subsequent terminals receive lower-level general permission with restricted operations. This local quality differentiation enables each terminal to have appropriate access rights, balancing exclusivity and sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If remote operations are allowed from multiple mobile terminals without restrictions, then convenience for shared users is improved, but unintended operations by unintended users may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience for shared usersVSAvoidunintended operation prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments remote operation permissions by creating different permission levels (administrator permission and general permission). The image processing apparatus is divided into multiple terminal connection groups, with the first terminal receiving administrator permission and subsequent terminals receiving general permission. This segmentation allows multiple users to access the apparatus simultaneously with appropriate permission levels, resolving the contradiction between exclusive operation and shared convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by restricting the scope of remote operations for non-administrator terminals before unintended operations can occur. Terminals with general permission are pre-configured with limitations on which operations they can perform, preventing potential misuse while still allowing legitimate shared access. This preemptive restriction approach maintains convenience while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If permission management is implemented for multiple terminals, then unintended operations are restricted, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunintended operation preventionVSAvoidpermission management system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically assigning permission levels based on the terminal connection order. The first terminal to connect is automatically granted administrator permission, and subsequent terminals are automatically assigned general permission. This automated preliminary assignment eliminates the need for complex manual permission configuration, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable permission management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by enabling terminals to obtain appropriate permissions automatically through the connection process without requiring external administrative intervention. The image processing apparatus itself manages permission distribution based on predefined rules, reducing the operational complexity for users while ensuring proper permission control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240394413A1Information processing system, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2024.11.28 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing system includes one or more processors configured to: when a terminal of a user is remotely connected to an image processing apparatus, identify a type of a permission granted in advance to the user, and in a case where contents of a remote operation by the terminal for the image processing apparatus fall within a scope of the permission that the user has, accept the remote operation as an enabled operation.