Multifunction Apparatus Cookie Authentication via Intermediary Web Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a multifunction apparatus that uses a web browser to display an operation screen and transmit scanned data, the data is not received from the web browser but from another HTTP client within the same multifunction apparatus, preventing easy authentication of access by the web server due to the inability to utilize Cookie information stored in the browser.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction apparatus with a web browser section, a second web server section, and a control section that stores Cookie information, allowing the control section to determine and add specific Cookie information for identifying external devices, enabling the web server to authenticate access by checking the Cookie information added to transmitted data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the multifunction apparatus uses a web browser to display an operation screen and transmit scanned data, then the user interface and data transmission capability are improved, but the web server cannot easily authenticate access because Cookie information stored in the browser is not available to the control section
Solution Approach 1:
A second web server section is introduced as an intermediary component within the multifunction apparatus. This second web server receives Cookie information from the first web server and makes it available to the control section, thereby mediating between the web browser's Cookie storage and the control section's authentication needs without changing the existing web browser interface
Solution Approach 2:
The web server functionality is segmented into two separate sections: the first web server section that handles Cookie issuance to the web browser, and the second web server section that bridges Cookie information to the control section. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system authentication capability
2Productivity
If the multifunction apparatus uses another HTTP client (control section) to transmit scanned data instead of the web browser, then the data transmission functionality is improved, but the Cookie information stored in the web browser cannot be utilized for authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The second web server section acts as an intermediary that captures Cookie information from the first web server's communication with the web browser and redistributes it to the control section. This allows the control section to access necessary Cookie information for authentication while maintaining its independent data transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The second web server section serves multiple functions: it receives Cookie information from the first web server, stores or forwards this information to the control section, and enables both the web browser and control section to participate in authenticated operations. This multi-functionality resolves the information loss problem
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction apparatus 21 includes: a web browser section 5; a second web server section 8; and a setting information database 6 for storing Cookie information which is transmitted from a first web server section 53 of an information processing apparatus 51 to the web browser section 5. The web browser section 5 (i) receives, from the first web server section 53, control information for informing the second web server section 8 of a control instruction to control the multifunction apparatus 21, and (ii) informs the second web server section 8 of the control instruction. Then, in a case where the control instruction is an instruction to transmit image data, a control application section 23 and an apparatus control section 7 (i) determine, as specific Cookie information, Cookie information that (a) is stored in the setting information database 6, and (b) contains a domain name of the information processing apparatus 51 which is designated as a destination to which the image data is transmitted, and (ii) transmits the image data, to which the specific Cookie information is added, to the information processing apparatus 51.