Distributed Smart Card Reader for Multifunction Printer Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart card authentication systems require a dedicated smart card reader for each device, leading to inefficiency and increased costs in large organizations with multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A distributed smart card reader system where a single smart card reader can authenticate users across multiple devices by storing and sharing authentication information on a server, allowing users to select devices for processing jobs and authenticating them based on stored credentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated smart card reader is installed on each device, then authentication reliability is ensured, but device complexity and cost increase proportionally with the number of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple smart card reader functions into a single centralized reader. The centralized reader authenticates users and stores authentication information on a server, which then distributes authentication credentials to multiple devices. This eliminates the need for separate readers on each device while maintaining authentication reliability across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized smart card reader is designed to serve multiple devices simultaneously. It performs universal authentication for any number of devices in the organization, and the server stores and manages authentication information for all devices, making the system universally applicable across the entire device fleet rather than requiring device-specific readers.
2Reliability
If a dedicated smart card reader is installed on each device, then authentication functionality is ensured, but cost increases with the number of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reader functions into a single centralized reader that serves the entire organization. Instead of having N readers for N devices, one centralized reader handles authentication for all devices, dramatically reducing the total quantity of readers needed while ensuring authentication functionality is available system-wide.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of authentication information on the server rather than requiring physical readers at each device. The centralized reader captures authentication data once, stores it on the server, and then distributes authentication credentials to multiple devices through software, replacing physical readers with informational copies.
3Ease of operation
If each device has its own smart card reader, then device independence is maintained, but system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the centralized reader and multiple devices. The server receives authentication information from the reader, processes and stores it, then distributes credentials to devices as needed. This intermediary enables centralized management and coordination, improving system efficiency while devices maintain operational independence through the standardized authentication interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed authentication system and method comprises a smart card and a smart card reader, at least one processor; and a storage device communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, the storage device storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform operations comprising: receiving information that is provided to the smart card reader from the smart card, the information including authentication information, identifying at least one device where authentication is desired, storing the information on a server wherein the server is accessible by the at least one device where authentication is desired, providing the stored information to the at least one device where authentication is desired, and authenticating a user of the at least one device where authentication is desired according to the stored information.