Image Processing Apparatus Authentication for OS Standard Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image processing apparatuses, such as multifunctional digital devices, face challenges in authenticating users when receiving connection requests from portable terminals using OS standard printing applications, as these applications do not provide user identification information, leading to improper user management and authentication issues.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus requests authentication information from portable terminals, performs first authentication to permit connections without user identification, and subsequent second authentication for user identification, using received authentication data to manage authorized activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the image processing apparatus uses OS standard printing applications for connection, then ease of operation is improved, but user identification capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection easeVSAvoiduser identification information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing apparatus performs preliminary authentication by transmitting authentication information requests before the actual printing operation. This allows the system to obtain user identification information in advance, resolving the contradiction by preparing the necessary data before the OS standard printing application attempts to connect without it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication information request transmission mechanism between the portable terminal and the image processing apparatus. This intermediary step facilitates the exchange of user identification information that OS standard printing applications would otherwise fail to provide, enabling proper user identification while maintaining ease of connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the image processing apparatus transmits authentication information requests to portable terminals, then user authentication capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser authentication capabilityVSAvoidauthentication process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication process is segmented into distinct functional modules: a transmission unit that sends authentication requests, a reception unit that receives authentication information, and a processing unit that handles the authentication data. This segmentation improves reliability by clearly defining responsibilities while managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing apparatus is designed with multi-functional capability to handle both traditional printing applications and OS standard printing applications through a unified authentication mechanism. This universal approach improves user authentication capability across different application types without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the image processing apparatus performs authentication for direct printing, then user management is improved, but applicability to remote printing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser management capabilityVSAvoidremote printing adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication mechanism is designed with universal applicability to serve both direct printing and remote printing scenarios. By implementing a standardized authentication information request and processing system, the apparatus maintains reliable user management capability while adapting to different printing modes including OS standard printing applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication information exchange before the actual printing operation, whether direct or remote. This preliminary action ensures user management capability is established in advance, enabling the system to handle both direct printing and remote printing from portable terminals effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9900468B2Image processing apparatus, authentication method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes: an authentication information requesting portion that transmits one or more requests for authentication information to a portable terminal apparatus upon receipt of a connection request therefrom, the connection request not requiring user identification; a first authentication portion that performs first authentication not requiring user identification by comparing authentication information to first reference data, the authentication information being received in return for the request; a second authentication portion that performs second authentication by comparing the authentication information to second reference data for user identification; and a processor that takes one piece of authentication information or any one of multiple pieces of authentication information received in return for the one or more requests, according to a predetermined rule, and that makes the second authentication portion perform the second authentication using the one piece of authentication information or the any one of the multiple pieces of authentication information.