Log Management in Image Forming Apparatus Using Hash Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses face challenges in reliably storing and managing log data due to limited storage capacity and potential communication errors during log transmission, which can lead to data integrity issues and loss of log information.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus generates log information by concatenating log data with integrity inspection data and a signature value, transmitting it to multiple server devices for verification and storage, ensuring data integrity and reliability through hash chains and signature verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If log data is stored in the image forming apparatus, then log information can be recorded for operation and authentication, but the storage capacity is limited and log data may be lost when storage is full
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the log storage function into two segments: the image forming apparatus generates and transmits log data, while external server devices store the log information. This segmentation allows the apparatus to operate within its storage limits while ensuring continuous log retention externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces server devices as intermediary components between the image forming apparatus and permanent log storage. The apparatus transmits log data to servers, which act as mediators for reliable long-term storage, preventing data loss when the apparatus storage is full.
2Quantity of substance
If log data is transmitted to server devices, then continuous storage beyond apparatus capacity is achieved, but communication errors may occur during transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary actions by generating integrity inspection data (hash values) and signature values before transmitting log data to server devices. These preliminary cryptographic measures enable verification of data integrity and authentication, preventing transmission errors and ensuring reliable storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where server devices verify the integrity of received log data using the transmitted hash values and signature values. This feedback loop ensures that only authenticated and uncorrupted log data is stored, maintaining transmission reliability.
3Reliability
If integrity inspection data and signature values are added to log data, then data integrity and authentication are ensured, but the data size and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical verification methods with cryptographic algorithms for integrity inspection and signature verification. This substitution automates the verification process, ensuring data integrity through mathematical operations rather than complex procedural checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms log data by adding cryptographic parameters (hash values and signature values) that enable automated verification. These parameter changes enhance reliability while the standardized cryptographic processes keep processing complexity manageable through algorithmic efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An example image forming apparatus includes a communication device, a print engine to form an image, and a processor to, based on a first event in the image forming apparatus, generate first log data regarding the first event, generate first integrity inspection data regarding the first log data, generate a first signature value regarding the generated first integrity inspection data, and control the communication device to transmit the generated first log data, the first integrity inspection data and the first signature value to a server device.