Image Processing System Security Authentication Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems lack a unified security environment, leading to data leakage and unauthorized use due to the absence of a data protection function in interconnected devices, which increases implementation costs and network traffic.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system is developed with a data processing apparatus connected to an image processing apparatus, featuring detection and notification mechanisms to ensure secure operation by detecting disconnections, authenticating connected devices, and restricting processes when necessary, thereby preventing data leakage and unauthorized use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption software and decryption key generation software are installed in each terminal unit, then data protection function is provided, but implementation cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a host computer as an intermediary that centralizes the encryption and decryption key management functions. Instead of installing software in each terminal unit, the host computer performs encryption of print data and generates decryption keys, which are then transmitted to the image forming apparatus. This mediator approach eliminates the need for software installation in multiple terminal units, significantly reducing implementation cost and complexity while maintaining data protection functionality.
2Reliability
If decryption key transmission is requested during print processing, then data protection is achieved, but network traffic increases causing process stagnation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the image forming apparatus store received print data in a secure storage unit before any decryption key transmission occurs. The data is held in an encrypted or protected state during this preliminary phase. Only after the decryption key is transmitted and received does the actual decryption and printing proceed. This preliminary storage of protected data prevents the need for repeated key transmissions during processing, thereby reducing network traffic and avoiding process stagnation while maintaining security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If image forming apparatus shares are used by multiple users, then resource utilization improves, but security risk increases due to lack of unified security environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security management function into the image forming apparatus itself by integrating an encryption unit and secure storage unit within the apparatus. This allows multiple terminal units to share the image forming apparatus while each user's data remains protected through individual encryption. The unified security environment is achieved by combining resource sharing capabilities with built-in security mechanisms, enabling both multi-user access and data protection to coexist.
Data Source
AI summary
A complex apparatus (image processing apparatus) requests the transmission of an identification number from a security box (data processing apparatus). The security box transmits the stored own identification number to the complex apparatus. When no response is received within a predetermined time after the request of transmission of the identification number, or alternatively when the identification number transmitted from the security box differs from the identification number of a security box stored in advance, the complex apparatus displays a warning screen indicating that the appropriate security box has been removed, on the displaying section of the operation panel, and then turns ON a notifying lamp.