Multi-function Device Authentication Alerting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-function devices lack bi-directional messaging for connection or disconnection events of authentication devices, such as card readers, which poses a security vulnerability and hinders usage tracking in environments where security is a high priority.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function device system that includes a memory for storing user and pre-authorized user information, coupled with an authentication device via a USB port, which detects disconnections or malfunctions and generates alerts for pre-defined actions, allowing for remote management and security breach mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If authentication devices are coupled to multi-function devices for security authentication and usage tracking, then security and usage tracking capability are improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to disconnection issues and lacks real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the multi-function device actively monitors the connection status of authentication devices and sends real-time alert notifications to administrators when disconnection or malfunction is detected. This closes the information loop, ensuring that connection status changes are immediately communicated rather than lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alert notification system that acts as a mediator between the authentication device connection status and the administrator. When a disconnection occurs, the system generates an alert message that is transmitted to the administrator, serving as an intermediary communication channel to convey the connection status information.
2Reliability
If authentication devices are connected to multi-function devices, then access control is enhanced, but the system experiences downtime when devices are disconnected or malfunctioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively monitoring the connection status of authentication devices and sending alert notifications before actual downtime occurs. When a disconnection is detected, the system immediately notifies administrators, enabling them to take corrective action before the authentication failure impacts normal device operations.
3Device complexity
If current multi-function devices are used without bi-directional messaging, then device simplicity is maintained, but security vulnerability increases due to lack of real-time alerts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bi-directional messaging with feedback capability where the multi-function device not only receives authentication data but also actively monitors connection status and sends real-time alert notifications to administrators. This feedback loop enables immediate response to security events without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses methods and systems for managing an authentication device such as a card reader coupled to a multi-function device. The multi-function device includes a memory for storing information related to one or more users, one or more pre-authorized users and alert setting instructions. The multi-function device includes an authentication device, coupled to a universal serial bus peripheral port of the device, and configured for: receiving authentication information from a user via an input method. The multi-function device further includes a control system configured for authenticating the user to access the multi-function device for one or more functions, based on the authentication information. The control system is further configured for generating an alert for the one or more pre-authorized users when the authentication device is disconnected or is malfunctioned, and for transmitting the alert to the one or more pre-authorized users, for one or more pre-defined actions.