Menu-Based External Service Login Switching for MFPs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods require users to perform authentication operations every time they use an external service, which decreases operating efficiency, especially in low-security environments like home use.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that selectively displays menu screens, switches between them, associates each screen with connection information, and establishes connections to external services based on this information, allowing users to switch scenes to change accounts without repeated authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If authentication information is retained while linking with connection information on an external service, then convenience is improved, but authentication operations are still required every time the MFP is started or user changes, decreasing operating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication by storing authentication information in advance together with connection information for each menu screen. When a menu screen is selected, the corresponding authentication information is automatically retrieved and used, eliminating the need for users to perform authentication operations at the time of use. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by making both convenient (no repeated authentication) and efficient (automatic account switching).
2Reliability
If a log-in screen is displayed at the start of using the MFP, then security is improved, but operating efficiency decreases due to required authentication operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different authentication approaches to different menu screens based on their security requirements. Each menu screen can have its own associated authentication information, allowing the system to automatically authenticate for screens that don't require high security while maintaining security screens that do require authentication. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing security where needed without compromising overall operating efficiency.
3Reliability
If user authentication is required for each user change, then security is maintained, but operating efficiency decreases due to repeated log-in and log-out operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the authentication information of different users with their respective menu screens. When a user switches to a different menu screen, the system automatically retrieves and uses the authentication information associated with that screen, eliminating the need for separate log-in and log-out operations. This merging approach maintains security through screen-specific authentication while dramatically reducing the time required for user switching.
4Reliability
If authentication operations are performed every time, then security is ensured, but operating efficiency decreases especially in low-security environments like home use
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its authentication behavior based on the selected menu screen. Each menu screen has its own authentication information stored and associated with it, allowing the system to automatically apply appropriate authentication levels for different functions. This dynamic approach ensures security is maintained where necessary while eliminating unnecessary authentication operations in low-security contexts, thereby improving operating efficiency without compromising security.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided an information processing apparatus, a controlling method, and a storage medium, which are capable of suppressing a decrease in operating efficiency in a case of using an external service. To this end, connection to an external service is established based on connection information associated with a menu screen to be displayed on a display unit.