Image Processing Authentication Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require administrators to manually set and manage user authentication settings for each application, leading to potential errors in configuring authentication requirements, resulting in unnecessary authentication requests or unauthorized transmission of confidential documents.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a controller that automatically reflects user authentication settings for applications using transmission functions, ensuring that authentication is only requested when required, by determining the authentication setting for each application and issuing a token upon successful authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user authentication settings are manually configured for each application, then authentication security can be controlled, but the complexity of setting and management increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication management by separating function-level settings from application-level configurations. Administrators set authentication requirements at the function level (transmission, storage, etc.), while the system automatically applies these settings to all applications using those functions, eliminating the need to configure each application individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the controller) that automatically mediates between function-level authentication settings and application-level execution. The controller determines whether authentication is required by checking the function settings, thereby eliminating direct manual configuration of each application while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If authentication settings are configured for every application, then unauthorized transmission can be prevented, but the time and effort required for configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring authentication settings at the function level before applications are deployed or modified. When a function's authentication setting is changed, the system proactively determines and applies the appropriate authentication requirements to all relevant applications, eliminating the need for time-consuming individual application configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining whether authentication is required for each application based on the function settings. The controller autonomously checks the authentication requirements of functions used by applications and enforces the appropriate authentication, eliminating the need for administrators to manually configure each application.
3Measurement precision
If manual configuration of authentication settings is required for each application, then precise control over authentication can be achieved, but errors in configuration may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors function settings and automatically adjusts application-level authentication requirements accordingly. When a function's authentication setting changes, the system provides feedback by automatically updating all applications using that function, ensuring configuration accuracy without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves configuration accuracy through self-service automation. The controller automatically determines the correct authentication settings for each application based on the functions it uses, eliminating human error in manual configuration while maintaining precise control over authentication requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus and a method of controlling the image processing apparatus are provided. The image processing apparatus sets whether or not a function provided in the image processing apparatus requires user authentication, and upon issuance of an instruction to activate an application, determines whether or not a function used by the application is set to require the user authentication. If it is determined that the function used by the application is set to require the user authentication, the image processing apparatus permits the application to use the function in a case that the user authentication has succeeded.