Selective Object List Display for Administrator Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users with administrator authority face difficulties in finding and operating objects related to other users due to inconsistent display settings when using data processing apparatuses, particularly when switching between original functions and file server operations.
Innovation Solution
A data processing apparatus with a reception unit for requesting object lists, a user determination unit to assess user capabilities, and a network determination unit to differentiate between network and local requests, allowing selective display of objects based on user permissions and request sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all objects stored in the storage device are displayed to users, then complete information is provided, but it becomes difficult to find the target object among numerous objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the object list display based on user access authority. For general users, only objects they have access to are displayed. For administrators, all objects are displayed. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing appropriate information completeness for each user type without overwhelming them with irrelevant objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the display characteristics different for different user roles. The list display is customized locally for each user type: filtered for general users, complete for administrators. This allows each user to experience optimal ease of operation tailored to their specific needs and authority level.
2Ease of operation
If access authority filtering is applied to display only user-related objects, then ease of finding target object is improved, but administrators cannot access objects related to other users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the display filtering dynamic based on user authority level. The system automatically adjusts whether to apply access authority filtering by detecting if the user is an administrator. For administrators, the filter is disabled allowing access to all objects. For general users, the filter is enabled showing only accessible objects. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and administrator versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the display parameter (filtering application) based on user authority. When user authority changes from general to administrator, the system parameter controlling object display filtering changes accordingly. This parameter change allows administrators to access all objects while maintaining ease of operation for general users.
3Ease of operation
If the display is switched based on access authority settings, then ease of operation is improved for general users, but the display cannot be properly switched between original function and file server usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the operation unit serve multiple functions by integrating both file server operations and original device functions (scan, print) in a single interface. The operation unit universally handles different user types and different operational modes without requiring separate interfaces, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and display switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation unit acts as an intermediary that mediates between different access authority settings and different operational modes. It automatically determines the appropriate display configuration based on user authority and operation type, eliminating the need for manual display switching and maintaining both ease of operation and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing apparatus determines whether or not administrator authority of a user is set, and whether access is made locally or from the network. When the access is made locally, even if the user has the administrator authority, folders of all users are not displayed. The folders of all users are displayed only when the user having the administrator authority accesses from the network.