Authentication Information Storage Distribution Across Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In information processing apparatuses, when communication with an external authentication server fails, existing methods for user authentication are hindered due to limited storage capacity, leading to incomplete temporary storage of authentication information, which prevents authentication for all users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where authentication information is temporarily stored in a single information processing apparatus based on usage frequency, with a request unit requesting authentication information from other apparatuses when needed, and a determination unit deciding which apparatus to store this information, optimizing storage by reducing the need for all apparatuses to store all user data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If authentication information is stored in all information processing apparatuses, then user authentication can be performed anywhere, but storage capacity requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the authentication information storage function across multiple information processing apparatuses. Instead of requiring all apparatuses to store all authentication information, each apparatus stores authentication information for a subset of users, segmenting the overall storage burden while maintaining system-wide authentication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a system where multiple information processing apparatuses can collectively provide authentication services for all users. By enabling any apparatus to authenticate any user through collaborative storage and verification, the system achieves universal authentication capability without requiring universal storage at each individual apparatus.
2Reliability
If authentication information is stored temporarily in information processing apparatuses, then authentication can proceed during communication failures, but storage management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing authentication information in multiple information processing apparatuses before communication failures occur. This advance preparation ensures that authentication can immediately proceed during communication outages without requiring complex real-time management decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where information processing apparatuses communicate authentication status and storage capacity information. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of storage responsibilities, simplifying management by allowing the system to automatically balance authentication information distribution based on current conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a memory, a request unit, an authenticating unit, and a determination unit. The memory stores authentication information for performing user authentication. When authentication information of a user who is a target of the user authentication is not stored in the memory, the request unit requests the authentication information from a different information processing apparatus. The authenticating unit performs the user authentication by using the authentication information stored in the memory or obtained from the different apparatus in response to the request from the request unit. The determination unit determines whether the apparatus or the different apparatus is to store the authentication information. When the authentication information is not stored in the apparatus, if it is determined that the apparatus is to store the authentication information, the memory stores the authentication information obtained in response to the request from the request unit.