Cross-Device User Identification for Seamless Authentication Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies struggle to determine if users operating different electronic devices are the same user, necessitating separate authentication at each device, which is inefficient in software and hardware linkages.

Innovation Solution

A device management system that uses image capturing to track users moving between electronic devices, allowing authentication and device operation based on image analysis to determine user identity and enable single sign-on across devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate authentication is performed at each electronic device, then authentication reliability is maintained, but authentication time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidauthentication time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication at the first electronic device and stores the authentication result. When the user approaches the second electronic device, the system proactively retrieves and applies the pre-stored authentication information, eliminating the need for repeated authentication and reducing authentication time while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (image recognition and authentication information management system) that bridges multiple electronic devices. This intermediary stores and transfers authentication information between devices, allowing seamless authentication across the device ecosystem without compromising security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If separate authentication is performed at each electronic device, then device security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice securityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges authentication functions across multiple electronic devices by establishing a unified authentication management mechanism. Authentication information obtained at one device is automatically applied at other devices, creating a combined authentication system that enhances user convenience while maintaining device security through centralized control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates and transfers copies of authentication information between electronic devices. The authentication result obtained at the first device is copied and applied at the second device, allowing users to authenticate once and access multiple devices without repeated authentication processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If authentication information is transferred between devices, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal authentication management mechanism that operates across different types of electronic devices. The authentication information management system provides multi-functional capabilities including storage, retrieval, verification, and transfer of authentication data, enabling operational efficiency across diverse device ecosystems without requiring device-specific complex systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12481747B2Information processing apparatus and information processing system identifying first user of first electronic device and second user of second electronic device to transmit information

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a first image receiver configured to receive, from an imaging apparatus, a first image capturing a first user using a first electronic device; a first user identifier configured to identify the first user who used the first electronic device based on usage information and the first image; an input information receiver configured to receive, from the first electronic device, authentication information input to the first electronic device by the first user; a second image receiver configured to receive, from the imaging apparatus, a second image capturing a second user existing at an operable position of a second electronic device; a second user identifier configured to identify the second user based on the second image; and an operation instructor configured to transmit, to the second electronic device, the authentication information, based on information relating to the identified first and second users and the authentication information.