Image Forming Apparatus With Configurable Password Strength Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses struggle to set a password strength level that meets the requirements of different installation environments, as administrators cannot arbitrarily set the necessary strength level, making it difficult for users to create secure passwords.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a password strength calculation unit that determines the strength of input passwords and adjusts the display content of a password strength meter based on the calculated strength, allowing administrators to set a required strength level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed password strength requirement is used, then the password security is improved, but the adaptability to different installation environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The password strength requirement is made dynamic by allowing administrators to adjust the required strength level according to the specific installation environment. The system transitions from a fixed strength requirement to a configurable one, where the required strength level can be changed based on organizational security needs and environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of password strength requirement from a fixed value to a configurable parameter. Administrators can modify the required strength level as a system parameter, allowing the same system to adapt to different security requirements in different environments without changing the core functionality.
2Device complexity
If the password strength level is not configurable, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for different environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by providing a single configurable parameter (required strength level) that can adapt to multiple different installation environments. Instead of requiring separate systems for different environments, the same system can be configured to meet various security requirements through administrator input.
3Ease of operation
If users can set passwords without strength guidance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the password security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to users during the password setting process by displaying a password strength meter that indicates how strong the entered password is. This feedback mechanism guides users in creating stronger passwords without adding significant complexity, as the strength assessment is performed automatically by the processor.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus configured to register a password of a user who uses an image forming function, and/or edit the password, includes at least one first processor and at least one first memory coupled to the first processor and having stored thereon instructions, when executed by the first processor, and cooperating to act as a password strength calculation unit configured to calculate a strength of the password, a request unit configured to request a display of a screen including a password strength meter for indicating a strength level determined based on the calculated strength, and a setting unit configured to set a strength level of the password to be set on the image forming apparatus, wherein the strength level determined based on the calculated strength and the set strength level are compared to change a display content of the password strength meter based on a result of the comparison.