Authentication Apparatus with Prescribed Period Code Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user authentication processes in information processing apparatuses are inconvenient and cumbersome, especially when switching between permitted and prohibited states, and storing user information in multiple devices or servers complicates security and increases time requirements.
Innovation Solution
An authentication system that includes an input device for accepting an authentication code, a controller for executing a user authentication process with an authentication server via a network, and a memory for storing the input authentication code, allowing the user authenticated state to be set based on a comparison with a stored code, with the option to input the code within a prescribed period after termination of the authenticated state to streamline the login process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user authentication is performed by accessing an authentication server via network, then security is enhanced, but the time required to switch to login state increases and operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication by storing the authentication code in the apparatus memory before the user needs to access the apparatus. When the user logs out and wants to log in again within a prescribed period, the system can quickly retrieve the pre-stored authentication code from memory rather than accessing the authentication server, thereby reducing login time while maintaining security through the prescribed period limitation.
2Speed
If user information is stored in each apparatus, then authentication speed is improved, but security is worsened due to multiple copies of similar information
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local quality by storing the authentication code in the apparatus memory only for a limited prescribed period after logout. This localized storage approach allows fast authentication during the permitted period without permanently storing user information in each apparatus, thereby maintaining security by limiting the duration and scope of information storage while enabling rapid authentication when needed.
3Reliability
If user authentication requires input of user ID and password every time, then security is maintained, but ease of operation is worsened due to repeated inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically retrieving and using the stored authentication code when the user logs in again within the prescribed period, eliminating the need for repeated manual input of user ID and password. This maintains security through the time-limited storage mechanism while significantly improving ease of operation by allowing quick re-authentication without repetitive input.
Data Source
AI summary
It is determined whether a login button is pressed or not. If the login button being pressed is sensed, a user authentication window appears. After the user authentication window appears, it is determined whether an authentication code is input or not. If an authentication code is input, then it is determined whether a prescribed period of time has passed or not since the last logout. If it is determined that a prescribed period of time has not passed since the last logout, authentication is performed in MFP. It is then determined whether the authentication is “OK” or not. If the authentication is “OK,” the authentication is successful. A login process is then executed.