IC Card Access Control for Shared Image Forming Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatus management systems fail to ensure confidentiality of image data and prevent unauthorized use, particularly in shared environments where multiple users can access the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus management system that reads user identifying information from an IC card, converts it into a standardized format, and manages access and function limitations based on user-specific use limit information stored in a management server, ensuring secure and efficient use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user authentication is performed based on user name and password stored in address information storage unit, then access control is implemented, but image data can be viewed by unintended persons if terminal is shared by multiple users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process into two distinct parts: terminal authentication (device-level) and user authentication (identity-level). The image forming apparatus is registered with specific terminal identification information in the managing apparatus, creating a dedicated authentication channel that cannot be shared or misused by other terminals or users. This segmentation ensures that even if a terminal is shared, only the registered user can access the apparatus through proper credential verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The managing apparatus serves as an intermediary between the terminal and the image forming apparatus. It stores terminal identification information and use limit information, and performs authentication by verifying both terminal credentials and user credentials before allowing access. This intermediary layer prevents direct unauthorized access by filtering authentication requests and enforcing access control policies based on registered terminal information.
2Ease of operation
If network scanner device allows use to any authenticated user, then accessibility is improved, but image forming apparatus can be used for unintended purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by associating specific use limit information with each registered terminal identification information. Different terminals can have different authentication requirements, authorized user lists, and permitted functions. For example, one terminal may be authorized for scanning only, while another may have full access including printing and copying. This localized authentication policy ensures each terminal operates within its intended scope while maintaining ease of access for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication and registration actions before allowing use of the image forming apparatus. Terminal identification information is registered in advance with the managing apparatus, along with associated use limit information. When a user attempts to access the apparatus, the system verifies both terminal credentials and user credentials against pre-stored information, preventing unauthorized use before it can occur.
3Productivity
If image forming apparatus is connected to multiple computer terminals via network for sharing, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but confidentiality of image data is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network access control into terminal-level authentication and user-level authentication. Each terminal is registered with unique identification information in the managing apparatus, creating separate authentication channels for each terminal. This segmentation allows multiple terminals to share the image forming apparatus efficiently while maintaining confidentiality, as each terminal's access is independently verified and controlled based on its registered credentials and associated use limit information.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed managing apparatus and image forming apparatus management system ensure confidentiality of information in an image forming apparatus while usability is maintained. An image forming apparatus acquires IC card identifying information with an IC card reader. A management server acquires a user ID associated with the acquired IC card identifying information and use limit information concerning use of the image forming apparatus. A process is performed in the image forming apparatus in accordance with the use limit information.