Dynamic Authentication for Print Jobs Based on Job Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems face challenges in flexibly changing the authentication process based on the print job requirements, often compromising between security strength and user convenience, as the authentication process is typically predetermined and not adaptable to varying user needs or print job conditions.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that determines whether the print job meets pre-defined conditions and executes either a first or second authentication process, where the second process differs from the first, allowing for adaptable security strength based on user identification and print job specifics, enabling flexible authentication depending on the user, file type, and location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a predetermined authentication process is used for all print jobs, then the system is simple to operate, but the security strength cannot be adapted to varying user needs or print job conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of authentication processVSAvoidcomplexity of authentication system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication process is made dynamic by automatically selecting between first and second authentication processes based on print job information. The system determines whether to apply stronger authentication (first process) or standard authentication (second process) depending on factors such as user identification, file type, and location, rather than using a fixed predetermined process for all cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different authentication processes are applied to different situations based on local conditions. The system evaluates specific print job characteristics (user ID, file type, location) and applies the appropriate authentication process locally to each job, rather than applying a uniform authentication process system-wide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a first authentication process with higher security strength is executed, then security is enhanced, but user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity strengthVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies the more stringent first authentication process only partially - specifically when print job information indicates higher security requirements (certain file types, locations, or user conditions). For other cases, the standard second authentication process suffices, avoiding unnecessary complexity for users while maintaining enhanced security where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication process parameters are changed dynamically based on print job information. The system adjusts the authentication strength parameter by selecting between two different authentication processes, allowing security to be scaled according to the specific requirements of each print job rather than maintaining a fixed high or low security level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the authentication process is predetermined and fixed, then the system is easy to implement, but it cannot flexibly change based on user identification or print job specifics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of authentication processVSAvoidease of implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of print job information (user ID, file type, location) before executing the authentication process. This preliminary action allows the system to determine in advance which authentication process should be applied, enabling flexible adaptation to different scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple implementation structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Print job information serves as an intermediary that mediates between the user's print request and the authentication process selection. The system uses this intermediate information layer to determine which authentication process to apply, providing flexibility without requiring complex direct control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10897555B2Information processing apparatus to determine a level of authentication based on information related to a print job

Publication Date: 2021.01.19 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes circuitry. The circuitry receives information related to a print job requested by a user, and determines whether the information related to the print job meets a previously determined condition. When the user requests an image forming apparatus to execute the print job and it is determined that the information related to the print job meets the previously determined condition, the circuitry executes a first authentication process for the user. When the user requests the image forming apparatus to execute the print job and it is determined that the information related to the print job fails to meet the previously determined condition, the circuitry executes a second authentication process for the user. The second authentication process is different at least partly from the first authentication process.