Biometric Authentication via Substitute Apparatus Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information processing apparatuses with differing authentication functions face security and convenience issues when accessing each other, as those without biometric authentication devices cannot acquire biometric information, leading to compromised security or reduced convenience.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with an authenticating unit, receiving unit, and requesting unit that requests authentication information from a substitute apparatus if the requesting apparatus lacks an input device, allowing authentication based on received information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the information processing apparatus having the biometric information input device prohibits access from the information processing apparatus not having the biometric information input device, then the security level is improved, but the convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a substitute apparatus as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the biometric authentication server and apparatuses lacking biometric input devices. The substitute apparatus receives authentication requests, obtains biometric information through alternative means (such as contacting the user's mobile device), and relays the authentication result back to the server, thereby enabling access without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication process is segmented into multiple components: the biometric authentication server that verifies credentials, the substitute apparatus that handles communication with non-biometric devices, and the client apparatus that initiates access requests. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function, maintaining security while enabling broader access.
2Ease of operation
If the information processing apparatus having the biometric information input device permits access without authentication, then the convenience is improved, but the security level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The substitute apparatus serves as a mediator that enables authentication for apparatuses without biometric input devices. It communicates with the user's mobile device to obtain biometric information and relays it to the authentication server, ensuring that security is maintained even when direct biometric input is not available at the accessing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves universality by supporting multiple authentication pathways: direct biometric authentication for apparatuses with input devices, and substitute apparatus-mediated authentication for those without. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain security while accommodating diverse device capabilities.
3Reliability
If the accessing information processing apparatus requests biometric information from another information processing apparatus, then the security is improved, but the accessibility decreases because the other apparatus may not have the required input device
Solution Approach 1:
The substitute apparatus acts as an intermediary that resolves the incompatibility between authentication requirements and device capabilities. It receives requests from apparatuses without biometric input devices, obtains the necessary biometric information through alternative channels (such as the user's mobile device), and facilitates authentication, thereby maintaining both security and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimension authentication model (direct biometric input at the accessing apparatus) to a multi-dimensional model where authentication can occur through multiple pathways: direct biometric input, or alternatively through a substitute apparatus that retrieves biometric information from the user's mobile device or other sources.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus not having an input device for receiving biometric information can access another information processing apparatus requiring the specific biometric information. A control method for controlling the information processing apparatus includes authenticating a user using biometric information, receiving an access request from an external apparatus, and requesting the external apparatus to send the biometric information in response to reception of the access request from the information processing apparatus. When the information processing apparatus does not have an inputting unit for inputting the requested biometric information, the requesting step includes requesting a predetermined substitute apparatus having the inputting unit to send the biometric information. The authenticating step includes authenticating the user based on the biometric information sent from the predetermined substitute apparatus in response to the request made at the requesting step.