Workflow Search for Image Forming Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in selecting and accessing appropriate image forming devices from multiple available options while maintaining security and ensuring that the selected device can perform the required operations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a client device that generates a workflow based on user input, searches for an image forming device capable of performing all the workflow operations, and transmits the workflow information to the selected device, allowing users to choose and utilize the most suitable device while ensuring security through authentication and workflow deletion after completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image forming devices are made available to users, then device selection flexibility is improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a server as an intermediary between users and image forming devices. The server manages authentication, stores workflow information securely, and coordinates device selection and execution. This mediator architecture allows multiple devices to be accessible while maintaining centralized security control, resolving the contradiction between device flexibility and security risks
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication and workflow registration before actual image forming operations. Users authenticate in advance through the server, and workflow information is pre-configured and stored securely. This preliminary action ensures that when multiple devices are accessible, only authenticated users can execute specific workflows on authorized devices, maintaining security while enabling device flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If workflow information is stored and transmitted across multiple devices, then operational capability is improved, but information security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a secure intermediary for storing and transmitting workflow information. Instead of distributing sensitive workflow data across multiple client devices, the server centralizes storage and controlled distribution. This allows operational capability to be maintained across multiple devices while the intermediary server protects information security through centralized access control and secure storage
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates controlled copies of workflow information only when necessary for device execution, with each copy being authenticated and traced back to the original. The server manages these copies, ensuring that workflow information is replicated only to authorized devices that need it for execution, thereby maintaining operational capability while minimizing security risks associated with widespread information distribution
Data Source
AI summary
An example method performed at a client device includes generating a workflow based on an input received through a user interface device of the client device, searching for an image forming device capable of performing every work included in the workflow, and transmitting workflow information regarding the workflow to one image forming device of image forming devices found by the searching.