Dual Authentication Controller for MFP Document Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems, such as MFPs, require users to authenticate twice when accessing document storage servers and printing, leading to operational cumbersome and increased burden as usage ranges expand.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-authentication system where a first authenticator handles user authentication for document storage and a second authenticator manages access to the image processing apparatus, with a controller controlling the authenticating operations based on the authentication results to streamline the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a user accesses document storage server and then prints document, then document processing is completed, but the user must authenticate twice which increases operational burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication processes of the document storage server and the image processing apparatus into a unified authentication system. The authentication result from the first device is recognized and utilized by the second device, eliminating the need for separate authentication and reducing operational burden while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary authentication at the document storage server access stage. The authentication result obtained in advance is stored and subsequently utilized when the user accesses the image processing apparatus, avoiding the need for repeated authentication and reducing operational steps.
2Reliability
If authentication is performed at both document storage server and image processing apparatus, then security is enhanced, but the number of authentication steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs authentication in advance at the document storage server access point and stores the authentication result. When the user subsequently accesses the image processing apparatus, the pre-obtained authentication result is utilized, eliminating the need for time-consuming repeated authentication while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the authentication result from the first device is transmitted to and recognized by the second device. This feedback loop allows the second device to utilize the authentication result obtained from the first device, reducing authentication time while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If multiple authentication points are implemented across different devices, then access control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal authentication mechanism that works across multiple devices (document storage server and image processing apparatus). The authentication system is designed to be multi-functional, allowing the same authentication result to be utilized across different devices, thereby improving access control without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (authentication information transmission and recognition system) that facilitates communication between the document storage server and the image processing apparatus. This intermediary allows authentication results to be shared and recognized across devices, improving access control while managing system complexity through a standardized interface.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system includes: a document storage apparatus for storing document data therein; an image processing apparatus connected to the document storage apparatus via a network, for processing the document data in association with the document storage apparatus; a first authenticator for performing user authentication at the time of an access to the document storage apparatus; a second authenticator for performing user authentication at the time of an access to the image processing apparatus; and controller for controlling, based on an authentication result by at least one of the first authenticator and the second authenticator, an authenticating operation by the other authenticator.