Temporary PIN Code Authentication for Guest Access in Image Forming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses, such as printers, restrict access to only authorized users, making it difficult for guest users without pre-registered accounts to securely use the devices, as ensuring security is challenging with common guest accounts.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that includes a receiving unit for requests, a generating unit for authority identifying information, and a sending unit to send this information to a different destination, allowing temporary PIN codes to be generated and sent to guest users for secure access, enabling them to use the apparatus without pre-registered accounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a common guest account is prepared for guest users, then guest users can access the image forming apparatus, but security cannot be ensured for each individual guest user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the guest account system by generating individual temporary authentication credentials (PIN codes) for each guest user request, rather than using a single common account. Each PIN code is uniquely associated with a specific guest user's authentication request, enabling both easy access for guests and individualized security tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication by requiring authentication of a related user (host) before generating a temporary PIN code for the guest user. This preliminary action ensures that guest access is authorized by a legitimate user, thereby maintaining security while enabling guest access.
2Reliability
If operation authority is restricted to only authenticated users with registered accounts, then security is maintained, but users without pre-registered accounts cannot use the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary temporary PIN code system that bridges authenticated users and unauthenticated guest users. The PIN code acts as a mediator that allows guest users to access the apparatus without having pre-registered accounts, while still maintaining security through the authentication of the related user who requests the guest access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication of the related user before issuing temporary access credentials to guest users. This preliminary action by the authenticated user enables the system to extend access rights to unauthenticated guests while maintaining overall security control.
3Reliability
If temporary PIN codes are generated and sent to different destinations, then guest users can securely access the apparatus, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image forming apparatus itself serve multiple functions: it acts as both the authentication system (generating PIN codes) and the resource system (controlling access to printing functions). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate centralized authentication server, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining security through temporary PIN code generation and distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system including at least one computer including a receiving unit that receives a request to a predetermined destination, a generating unit that generates authority identifying information for identifying operation authority of an apparatus in response to the request, and a sending unit that sends the authority identifying information to a destination different from a transmission source of the request.