Dynamic Authentication Control for Image Forming Apparatus Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in enhancing security through user authentication, as current methods often rely on single-factor authentication, which can be vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A control method for an information processing apparatus that performs two-factor authentication by accepting first and second authentication information inputs, executing specific processing only upon successful authentication with both factors, and allowing execution of functions with successful authentication of at least one factor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If single-factor authentication is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication convenienceVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts authentication requirements based on the function being accessed. For high-security functions, two-factor authentication is required; for standard functions, single-factor authentication suffices. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt authentication strength to actual security needs, improving both security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different authentication methods are applied to different functions based on their security requirements. The system assigns appropriate authentication factors (knowledge-based, possession-based, or inherence-based) to specific functions, allowing each function to have the appropriate level of security without affecting overall system usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If two-factor authentication is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system is segmented into distinct authentication factors (first authentication factor and second authentication factor) that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by organizing authentication methods into clear, manageable categories rather than treating them as a monolithic complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication framework is designed to be universal, supporting multiple types of authentication factors (knowledge-based, possession-based, inherence-based) that can be combined in various ways. This multi-functionality allows the same system to handle different authentication scenarios without requiring separate complex systems for each method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple authentication factors are required, then security is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccess speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines the number and type of authentication factors required based on the function being accessed. High-security functions require two-factor authentication, while standard functions accept single-factor authentication. This dynamic approach prevents unnecessary authentication delays for low-risk operations while maintaining strong security for critical functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of the function being accessed to determine authentication requirements before the user attempts to access it. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare appropriate authentication mechanisms in advance, reducing the time users spend on authentication by presenting the correct number of factors upfront rather than requiring multiple sequential authentication steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12287861B2Information processing apparatus and control method for information processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.04.29 CANON KK
  • US12287861B2 patent drawing
  • US12287861B2 patent drawing
  • US12287861B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control method for an information processing apparatus controlled by a computer is executed by the computer and includes performing a first input to accept an input of first authentication information, performing a second input to accept an input of another authentication information different from the first authentication information, executing first processing on condition of success of authentication with the first authentication information input in the first input and success of authentication with the another authentication information input in the second input, and executing second processing on condition of success of at least one of authentication with the first authentication information input in the first input or authentication with the another authentication information input in the second input.