Camera-Based User Tracking Authentication for Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In shared image forming apparatuses, users often forget to log out, leading to security issues and the burden of repeated authentication when trying to use the device again shortly after.
Innovation Solution
An authentication device that uses a camera to track the user's presence by picking up images and detecting feature information, switching the screen to a log-in screen if the user moves away and back without interruption, thereby automatically canceling the authentication if tracking is lost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic log-out is implemented when user moves away, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to re-authentication requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication by capturing user images in advance and storing them as reference data. When the user returns to the operation position, the system compares the current image with the stored reference image to automatically re-authenticate, eliminating the need for manual re-authentication while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the user's authentication data (image) in advance and stores it in the authentication information storage unit. This copied authentication data is then used for automatic verification when the user returns, replacing the need for repeated manual authentication processes
2Reliability
If manual log-out is required, then security is improved, but user burden increases due to forgetfulness
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service authentication monitoring by automatically detecting when the user moves away from the operation position using image capture and comparison. The system autonomously manages the authentication state without requiring user intervention, eliminating the burden of manual log-out while maintaining security through automatic detection
3Ease of operation
If authentication is maintained after user moves away, then user convenience is improved, but security deteriorates due to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the user's position by capturing images and comparing them with reference images. When the user moves away from the operation position, the system receives feedback that authentication should be cancelled. This feedback mechanism ensures security is maintained while allowing convenient operation when the user is present
Data Source
AI summary
A user authentication device provided on an apparatus as an object of operation acquires feature data representing notable portion of the user, using a camera device, after user authentication. Based on the acquired feature data, the user authentication device tracks the user by the camera (step S1030). If it is detected by the tracking that the user has left the apparatus, the user authentication device displays a log-in screen image on an operation panel (step S1060). If it is detected that the user once left the apparatus has returned to a position where he/she can operate the apparatus, the user authentication device displays the screen image that has been previously operated by the user. On the other hand, if it is detected that the tracking has been interrupted after the user left the apparatus, the user authentication device executes a log-out process (step S1120).