Electronic Apparatus Security Function Auto-Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
When attaching a security device with a higher security level to an electronic apparatus already executing a lower security function, interference occurs, requiring manual intervention that can lead to security holes due to human error or device faults, especially when multiple devices are involved.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with an instruction unit to cancel the lower security function, a detection unit to identify the higher security device attachment, a measurement unit to track elapsed time, and an enable processing unit to re-enable the original security function if the higher security device is not attached or operational within a predetermined time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the password function is manually disabled before attaching the encryption device, then the encryption device can be attached, but security holes may be generated due to human error or faults
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cancellation of the password function before attaching the encryption device, but automatically restores it if the attachment fails or exceeds the predetermined time, preventing security holes from manual errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors whether the encryption device is successfully attached within the predetermined time and provides feedback to automatically restore the password function if the attachment fails, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing security risks
2Productivity
If multiple printing apparatuses have their password functions disabled simultaneously, then encryption devices can be attached efficiently, but attachment may be forgotten for some devices leaving them in security disabled state
Solution Approach 1:
Each printing apparatus automatically monitors its own encryption device attachment status and restores its password function if the attachment is forgotten or fails, making the system self-correcting without requiring manual tracking of multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
The password function is preliminarily canceled before attachment to enable efficient batch processing, but the automatic restoration mechanism ensures that any missed attachments are corrected, maintaining security across all devices
3Reliability
If the encryption device is not supported for the security command group, then higher security level is achieved, but the password function cannot be canceled through the encryption device
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the password function cancellation and encryption device attachment into distinct automated steps, with the controller managing the sequence independently of the encryption device's command group limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The printing apparatus controller acts as an intermediary that manages the password function cancellation and restoration without requiring the encryption device to support the security command group, simplifying the encryption device's requirements while maintaining control
Data Source
AI summary
In an electronic apparatus of this invention, after a security function is canceled, it is determined whether the elapsed time from cancellation of the security function to detection of attachment of a device having a security function of security level higher than that of the canceled security function or the elapsed time until the operation of the attached device is enabled has exceeded a predetermined time. Upon determining that the elapsed time has exceeded the predetermined time, the electronic apparatus enables the canceled security function again.