Image Processing Apparatus Remote Authentication via Mobile Code

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote user interface (RUI) technologies face challenges in securely setting authentication information for image processing apparatuses, especially when errors occur and users need to resolve them while the image processing apparatus is remote.

Innovation Solution

The image processing apparatus includes an operation unit for setting authentication information, a reception unit for receiving requests from an information processing apparatus, and a transmission unit for transmitting web pages. It transmits a web page with code information to the information processing apparatus if the authentication information meets predetermined conditions, allowing users to set authentication information using a mobile terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If authentication information is not set correctly in the image processing apparatus, then security is compromised and unintended users can access information, but displaying error messages on the apparatus itself does not help remote users resolve the issue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoiderror resolution for remote users

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile terminal as an intermediary device between the remote user and the image processing apparatus. The mobile terminal displays code information that guides users through authentication setting operations, serving as a mediator that enables remote users to correctly configure authentication information without physically accessing the apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transmits web page information including code information to the mobile terminal, creating a copy of the operational guidance. This allows users to view and follow authentication setting instructions on their mobile device rather than needing to directly interact with the image processing apparatus display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Loss of information

If code information is displayed on the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, then users can see resolution steps, but users cannot notice the display when operating the information processing apparatus remotely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror resolution information visibilityVSAvoiduser awareness of error resolution steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal acts as an intermediary display device that receives and presents code information to users. This ensures that resolution information is visible to users operating remotely through their mobile devices, eliminating the problem of users missing display information on the physical apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions the error resolution information from the physical dimension (display on the apparatus operation unit) to the digital dimension (web page transmitted to mobile terminal). This dimensional shift allows information to be accessed through network communication rather than direct visual contact with the apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If users must physically access the image processing apparatus to set authentication information, then settings can be made directly, but remote users cannot resolve authentication errors without physical presence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication setting accessibilityVSAvoidtime for remote users to resolve errors

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal serves as a remote intermediary that enables users to access authentication setting information and follow resolution steps without physically accessing the image processing apparatus. This eliminates the need for users to travel to or physically interact with the apparatus to resolve authentication errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical interaction requirement (users must be physically present at the apparatus) with a network-based information transmission system. Web pages including code information are transmitted through network communication to mobile terminals, substituting physical presence with digital communication for authentication error resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250077139A1Image processing apparatus, image processing apparatus control method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 CANON KK

AI summary

An image processing apparatus control method includes receiving, from an information processing apparatus, a request for a web page provided by an image processing apparatus; and transmitting the web page to the information processing apparatus in accordance with receiving the request in the receiving. In response to the request being received in the receiving, a web page including code information to the information processing apparatus is transmitted in the transmitting in accordance with authentication information satisfying a predetermined condition, the authentication information being used for authentication for displaying a web page including information of the image processing apparatus on the information processing apparatus, the code information being to be captured to display, on a mobile terminal, operation required to set the authentication information by using an operation unit of the image processing apparatus.