Image Processing Apparatus Electronic Signature Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses require a USB token for an extended period when adding electronic signatures to image data, increasing the time for user login and potentially leading to key leakage or loss.
Innovation Solution
A method where an image processing apparatus generates individual electronic signatures for multiple pieces of image data using a private key obtained from a portable recording medium or an internal storage, allowing for simultaneous signature addition and transmission, reducing the time a portable recording medium is needed and enabling quicker user logout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a USB token is used to store a private key for adding electronic signatures to image data, then security is improved, but the time during which the USB token must be present increases, leading to potential key leakage or loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by converting image data into multiple formats and preparing transmission queues before the USB token is removed. The private key is obtained and stored in memory during the token's presence, and signature addition processes are initiated in advance for multiple image data pieces, reducing the required token presence time.
Solution Approach 2:
The signature addition process is segmented into multiple parallel processes, one for each image data piece. Each process independently adds electronic signatures to its assigned image data using the private key already obtained, allowing simultaneous processing and reducing overall processing time while the token is present.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple image data pieces are processed sequentially for electronic signature addition, then processing accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases due to extended USB token usage time
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is divided into multiple independent signature addition processes, each handling a specific image data piece. This segmentation allows parallel execution of signature addition operations while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of each individual processing task through dedicated process control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by initiating multiple signature addition processes simultaneously rather than sequentially. While one process adds signatures to the first image data piece, another process concurrently adds signatures to the second piece, ensuring continuous productive use of the private key without interruption or idle time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transmitting a plurality of pieces of image data is provided. The method includes causing an image forming apparatus (1) to perform a process of obtaining a private key (#43), a process of generating individual electronic signatures for the plurality of pieces of image data by using the private key thus obtained (#38 and #45), and a process of adding the individual electronic signatures to the plurality of pieces of image data and transmitting the plurality of pieces of image data (#49).