Dual Controller Authentication for Secure Remote Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic apparatuses with a sub-controller independent from the main controller, user authentication is not consistently enforced, leading to potential discrepancies and unauthorized remote operations even when the main controller is shut down.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dual authentication system where the main controller performs a first user authentication and then transmits authentication information to the sub-controller, which performs a second user authentication upon access by a remote operating device, ensuring secure remote operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sub-controller is added to enable independent remote operation, then remote operation capability and processing stability are improved, but user authentication security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoiduser authentication security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication function is segmented into two independent authentication units: one in the main controller and one in the sub-controller. Each controller performs authentication independently, ensuring that remote operation security is maintained even when one controller is unavailable. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing authentication responsibilities across multiple independent components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main controller performs authentication in advance before the sub-controller executes remote operations. The main controller stores authentication results and transmits them to the sub-controller, enabling the sub-controller to verify user credentials without needing to independently perform the full authentication process. This preliminary action ensures security while enabling independent operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the main controller is shut down to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but remote operation accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidremote operation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into a main controller that can be shut down for energy saving and a sub-controller that remains operational. The sub-controller independently handles remote operation requests and executes tasks, ensuring continuous accessibility even when the main controller is powered off. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating power management functions from operation execution functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sub-controller acts as an intermediary between the remote operating device and the main controller. When the main controller is shut down, the sub-controller receives and processes remote operation requests, maintaining system accessibility. The sub-controller can execute operations independently or forward them to the main controller when available, ensuring continuous operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the sub-controller executes operations independently without main controller authentication, then operation speed and responsiveness are improved, but authorization control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation speedVSAvoidauthorization control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main controller performs authentication and authorization checks in advance, storing the results for the sub-controller to use. The sub-controller retrieves pre-validated authentication information to quickly execute operations without repeating the full authentication process. This preliminary action enables fast operation execution while maintaining proper authorization control through pre-validated credentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The main controller provides feedback to the sub-controller in the form of authentication results and authorization information. The sub-controller uses this feedback to determine whether to execute operations or reject requests. This feedback mechanism ensures proper authorization control while enabling the sub-controller to make rapid decisions without continuous main controller involvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9633194B2Authentication system, electronic apparatus and authentication method

Publication Date: 2017.04.25 KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECH INC

AI summary

Disclosed is an authentication system including: an electronic apparatus; and a remote operating device to remotely operate the electronic apparatus, wherein the electronic apparatus comprises a main controller to control the electronic apparatus and a sub-controller to control the electronic apparatus independently from the main controller; and wherein in case that the remote operating device accesses to the electronic apparatus, after the main controller carries out a first user authentication, the sub-controller carries out a second user authentication.