Mutual Authentication Pair Modification via Counter Parameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in modifying authentication pairs securely, leading to unauthorized access and difficulties in upgrading or downgrading functions, as well as the need for simultaneous replacement of authentication apparatuses when one fails.

Innovation Solution

A mutual authentication system comprising a first and second authentication apparatus, where the first apparatus obtains a modification restriction parameter from the second, indicating the number of possible modifications, and transmits authentication information to form or modify the pair, ensuring secure pairing and preventing unauthorized changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanism is introduced to prevent unauthorized modification of authentication pairs, then system security is improved, but flexibility for legitimate modifications (e.g., upgrades, downgrades, replacements) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem securityVSAvoidflexibility for legitimate modifications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a modification counter parameter that tracks the number of allowed pair modifications. This parameter can be set to different values based on system requirements, enabling flexible control over modification permissions while maintaining security. The counter parameter acts as a configurable threshold that balances security restrictions with legitimate operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an authentication server as an intermediary that manages modification requests. The server verifies modification requests against the modification counter and authentication credentials, acting as a mediator between security requirements and legitimate modification needs. This intermediary approach allows centralized control while maintaining system security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If authentication pairs are established with strict modification restrictions, then unauthorized access is prevented, but system maintainability deteriorates when apparatuses fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized access preventionVSAvoidsystem maintainability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The modification counter parameter can be dynamically adjusted to allow a specific number of replacements. When an apparatus fails, the system can utilize the remaining counter value to replace the failed apparatus without requiring complete system reconfiguration. This parameter-based approach enables maintenance operations while maintaining security for the remaining allowed modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-allocates modification permissions through the modification counter before any failures occur. This preliminary action ensures that replacement operations can be performed when needed, as the counter is already configured to allow a predetermined number of modifications, eliminating the need for complex approval processes during emergency repairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If authentication pairs are designed for high security with limited modification capability, then system integrity is maintained, but functional adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrityVSAvoidfunctional adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modification counter parameter enables controlled adaptability by allowing a predetermined number of pair modifications. This parameter acts as a gateway that maintains system integrity by limiting modifications while still permitting functional adaptability within the allowed threshold, enabling upgrades and downgrades without compromising overall system security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static authentication pair configuration to a dynamic one where modifications are permitted up to the counter limit. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its composition over time while maintaining integrity, as each modification is tracked and the system state evolves within controlled boundaries rather than being completely fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11503023B2Technique for modifying combination of plurality of authentication apparatuses forming mutual authentication pairs

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 CANON KK

AI summary

A first authentication apparatus obtains a modification restriction parameter which is stored in a second authentication apparatus and which indicates a number of times a mutual authentication pair modification is possible or a number of times modification has been executed. The first authentication apparatus transmits to the second authentication apparatus authentication information corresponding to the modification restriction parameter. The second authentication apparatus receives the authentication information from the first authentication apparatus. The second authentication apparatus determines whether or not the received authentication information is authentication information for permitting the mutual authentication pair modification. In a case where the received authentication information is authentication information that permits the mutual authentication pair modification, the second authentication apparatus and the first authentication apparatus form a mutual authentication pair.