Dual-Setting Authentication for Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Information processing apparatuses, such as image forming devices, lack sufficient security measures when connected to networks, particularly in small offices or households, leading to potential leakage of confidential information due to inadequate authentication controls.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-setting authentication system that allows for access restriction and control based on either an external access password or department ID management, eliminating redundancy in authentication processes and enhancing security without compromising user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional authentication is imposed on external access to improve security, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to redundant authentication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic authentication where the authentication method and requirements adapt based on the current setting state. When department ID management is enabled, the system dynamically switches to use only department ID authentication without requiring additional external access passwords. When department ID management is disabled, the system dynamically enables external access password authentication. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing security measures according to the actual operational context, preventing redundant authentication while maintaining appropriate security levels.
2Reliability
If department ID management mode is set to provide security control, then security is improved, but additional authentication becomes redundant and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication mechanisms by integrating department ID management with external access control into a unified authentication system. When department ID management is enabled, the department ID and password serve as both the department identification mechanism and the external access authentication mechanism simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate additional authentication, resolving the contradiction by making the security control mechanism itself sufficient for access authentication, thereby maintaining security while improving user convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus controls the use of a remote user interface (RUI) by requesting authentication with an RUI access password from a client device in a case where the RUI access password is set. In a case of a department ID management setting, the security setting is different from the RUI access password setting. In this situation, the image forming apparatus requests authentication with the department ID, and then controls the use of the RUI based on the result of the authentication.