Authentication Agent Intermediating Diverse Protocols

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing authentication methods for image processing apparatuses face challenges in managing user authentication across multiple devices with different protocols, leading to limitations in interoperability and functionality management.

Innovation Solution

An authentication agent system that intermediates the authentication process between image processing apparatuses and multiple authentication servers with different protocols, using a proprietary protocol for communication with peripherals and Kerberos for secure network authentication, while managing user permissions and functionalities through an authentication agent server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple authentication portions with different protocols are used to support diverse authentication methods, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication protocol compatibilityVSAvoidauthentication system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an authentication agent as an intermediary component that mediates between the image processing apparatus and multiple authentication portions with different protocols. The agent receives authentication requests, determines the appropriate authentication portion based on the protocol type, and forwards requests accordingly. This mediator approach allows the system to support multiple authentication protocols without requiring the image processing apparatus to directly handle each protocol, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through centralized protocol routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If authentication management is centralized externally to unify user information across multiple devices, then interoperability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteroperability across devicesVSAvoidauthentication process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication agent automatically performs protocol determination and routing without requiring user intervention. When a user initiates authentication, the agent autonomously identifies the appropriate authentication portion based on the registered protocol type and forwards the request accordingly. This self-service mechanism maintains centralized user information management for interoperability while hiding the complexity from users, preserving ease of operation by eliminating the need for users to understand or select authentication protocols manually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7865933B2Authentication agent apparatus, authentication method, and program product therefor

Publication Date: 2011.01.04 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An authentication agent apparatus that authenticates a user who uses an image processing apparatus has an agent portion. The agent portion intermediates an authentication process between an image processing apparatus and a corresponding authentication portion among multiple authentication portions having different protocols, when a request for the authentication process is received.