Image Processing Apparatus Authentication Destination Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing apparatuses require users to input authentication information for destinations set to 'Input required at transmission' ON, leading to suspended transfers when users are absent, as these destinations cannot be automatically used as transfer destinations.

Innovation Solution

The image processing apparatus prevents destinations requiring user-input authentication from being set as transfer destinations by displaying authentication input screens only when 'Input required at transmission' is set to ON, ensuring secure and timely authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the screen for inputting authentication information is displayed when 'Input required at transmission' is set to ON, then unauthorized use of authentication information can be prevented, but the transfer of image data is suspended and cannot be executed automatically when the user is absent

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidtransfer execution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication process by creating two distinct modes: automatic authentication mode (when 'Input required at transmission' is OFF) where authentication is performed automatically using pre-registered credentials, and manual authentication mode (when 'Input required at transmission' is ON) where a confirmation screen is displayed. This segmentation allows the system to handle different security requirements for different destinations independently, resolving the contradiction between security and automatic transfer execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If automatic transfer of image data is performed when received, then user effort and time are reduced, but destinations requiring authentication input cannot be used as transfer destinations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic transferVSAvoiddestination selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic behavior by allowing the authentication mode to change based on the destination's settings. When 'Input required at transmission' is OFF for a destination, the system automatically performs authentication and executes transfer without user intervention. When set to ON, the system dynamically switches to displaying a confirmation screen. This dynamic adaptation enables both automatic transfer convenience and broad destination compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If the authentication information is pre-registered in the address book, then user time and effort during transfer setting is reduced, but the unauthorized use of authentication information cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup timeVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different authentication security levels for different destinations within the address book. Each destination can independently have 'Input required at transmission' set to ON or OFF, enabling the system to maintain pre-registered authentication information for convenience while applying enhanced security (confirmation screen display) only to specific destinations where security is required, thus preventing unauthorized use without increasing overall setup time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2642742B1Image processing apparatus configured to transmit image data
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 CANON KK
  • EP2642742B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2642742B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2642742B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes a registration unit configured to register a destination of file transmission, a selection unit configured to select whether to require a user to input, at time of transmission, authentication information required for the file transmission for each destination registered by the registration unit, a transfer unit configured to transfer received image data, and a control unit configured to prevent a destination for which it is selected to require the user to input the authentication information at time of transmission from being set as a transfer destination of the image data.