Authentication Control Apparatus for Image Readers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing authentication systems for image reading apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing multiple authentication methods, leading to increased access attempts on the authentication server, which can result in authentication information locking and user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

An authentication control apparatus is implemented with a first authenticating unit for default-folder authentication, a second authenticating unit for single sign-on (SSO) authentication, and an outputting unit to prompt users for input when authentication fails, reducing unnecessary access attempts by prioritizing successful authentication methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple authentication methods are attempted simultaneously, then authentication success rate may improve, but the number of access attempts on the authentication server increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication success rateVSAvoidnumber of access attempts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification to determine which authentication method (first or second) should be attempted first based on user behavior patterns and authentication history. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary authentication attempts and reduces server load while maintaining high authentication success rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication control apparatus dynamically adjusts the authentication flow based on real-time conditions, such as which authentication method succeeded previously or user behavior patterns. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the authentication process by selecting the most efficient path, thereby reducing the number of access attempts while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple authentication methods are attempted, then authentication flexibility improves, but authentication information locking risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication flexibilityVSAvoidauthentication information locking risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of the authentication method to be used, preventing unnecessary authentication attempts that could trigger locking mechanisms. This preliminary action maintains authentication flexibility while reducing the risk of authentication information locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication control apparatus uses feedback from authentication outcomes to adjust future authentication flows. When authentication succeeds or fails, the system learns from this feedback to optimize subsequent authentication attempts, thereby reducing repeated failures that could lead to locking while maintaining versatile authentication options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If authentication control is simplified, then ease of operation improves, but authentication security may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of authenticationVSAvoidauthentication security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system is segmented into two distinct authentication methods (first authentication with authentication information and second authentication without), allowing the system to present different authentication flows based on user behavior. This segmentation maintains security by offering multiple authentication paths while improving ease of operation by automatically selecting the appropriate method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication control apparatus automatically determines and executes the appropriate authentication method based on user behavior patterns and authentication history, eliminating the need for users to manually select authentication methods. This self-service approach maintains authentication security while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10097704B2Authentication control apparatus, image reading apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An authentication control apparatus includes a first authenticating unit, a second authenticating unit, a controller, and an outputting unit. The first authenticating unit performs first authentication using authentication information stored in association with a memory area. The second authenticating unit performs second authentication using authentication information stored in association with a user. The controller performs control to perform one of authentication operations that are the first authentication and the second authentication when the user uses the memory area. The outputting unit outputs information if the one of the authentication operations performed under the control of the controller does not succeed. The information prompts the user to input authentication information to be used in an authentication operation performed when the user uses the memory area.