Remote UI Locking for Secure Image Forming Apparatus Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote user interface technologies allow users to access multiple image forming apparatuses sequentially, leading to a risk of another user using an image forming apparatus before the intended user has finished with it.
Innovation Solution
A remote operation apparatus that includes a setting unit to restrict connections between image forming apparatuses and other remote operation apparatuses, with a control unit to enforce this restriction before image formation, ensuring only the intended user can access the next apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remote UI technology allows connection to multiple image forming apparatuses, then user convenience and flexibility are improved, but the risk of unauthorized access by other users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary locking of the image forming apparatus to the remote operation apparatus before the user actually uses it. The control unit sets a locked state in advance, preventing other users from connecting to the apparatus during the intended user's session. This preliminary action ensures that when the user connects, no other user can have already claimed the apparatus.
2Reliability
If the image forming apparatus is locked to a specific remote operation apparatus, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the ease of operation for switching between apparatuses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is dynamic rather than static. The control unit can change the locked state based on connection status and user actions. When a user disconnects or the session ends, the locked state is automatically released, allowing the apparatus to be assigned to another user. This dynamic behavior maintains security during active use while enabling flexible switching when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote operation apparatus including a setting unit configured to set whether or not to restrict connection between an image forming apparatus and another remote operation apparatus other than a remote operation apparatus, and a control unit configured to give an instruction to restrict the connection between the image forming apparatus and the another remote operation apparatus before causing the image forming apparatus to form an image in a case where restriction of the connection between the image forming apparatus and the another remote operation apparatus is set by the setting unit.