Transparent Authentication Injection for MFP Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Third-party applications on multifunction printers often lack support for additional security features like biometric authentication and two-factor/multi-factor authentication, making it difficult to seamlessly integrate these features into existing workflows without modifying the third-party software.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that transparently injects custom authentication screens into third-party workflows on multifunction printers, allowing for biometric authentication and additional security features to be added without requiring modifications to the third-party applications, using an authentication management switcher that takes control of the screen during authentication processes and returns control to the third-party application upon completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If third-party applications control the multifunction printer panel with their own authentication workflows, then the applications can maintain their existing authentication logic and user experience, but the multifunction printer cannot add additional security features like biometric authentication or 2FA/MFA without modifying the third-party software
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication workflow is nested within the third-party application workflow. The system inserts authentication screens (biometric authentication, 2FA/MFA) into the existing third-party application flow without requiring modifications to the third-party software. The authentication screens are embedded as intermediate steps between the third-party login screen and the application's main interface, allowing both the third-party application and the printer's security features to coexist and function together
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary authentication management component is introduced that acts as a mediator between the third-party application and the printer's authentication system. This intermediary captures authentication attempts from the third-party application, inserts appropriate authentication screens (biometric, 2FA/MFA), and manages the transition between authentication states without requiring the third-party application to be modified. The intermediary seamlessly integrates multiple authentication methods into the existing workflow
2Reliability
If the multifunction printer inserts authentication screens into third-party workflows, then additional security features can be added, but the third-party application cannot transition to authentication screens without modification
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring authentication screens and authentication logic within the printer's control system before the third-party application runs. The authentication workflow is prepared in advance with predefined screens for biometric authentication, 2FA/MFA, and other security features. When a third-party application requests authentication, the pre-configured screens are automatically inserted into the workflow without requiring real-time modifications or complex transitions
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary authentication management component facilitates seamless transitions by capturing authentication triggers from the third-party application and automatically inserting the appropriate authentication screens. The intermediary manages the workflow transition by intercepting authentication requests, inserting the necessary screens, and returning control to the third-party application after authentication is complete, all without requiring modifications to the third-party software
3Adaptability or versatility
If third-party applications are modified to support additional authentication features, then seamless integration can be achieved, but the time-to-market for new security features increases and customization requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is designed with universality to support multiple authentication methods (biometric authentication, 2FA/MFA, username/password) through a single integrated platform. The printer's authentication management component can universally handle different authentication types and insert them into any third-party application workflow without requiring application-specific modifications. This multi-functional approach allows new security features to be deployed across all third-party applications simultaneously, significantly reducing time-to-market
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary authentication management component serves as a universal bridge between the printer's security features and any third-party application. Rather than requiring each application to be customized for new security features, the intermediary provides a standardized interface that automatically handles the integration of biometric authentication, 2FA/MFA, and other security features into any third-party workflow, enabling rapid deployment across the entire ecosystem
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a non-transitory computer readable medium, and multifunction printer are disclosed for injecting screens into a third-party workflow on a display panel of a multifunction printer. The method includes displaying, on the display panel of the multifunction printer, a first screen from a third-party workflow; detecting, on the multifunction printer, a first authentication attempt from a user; inserting, on the display panel of the multifunction printer, a first screen from an authentication workflow into the third-party workflow upon the detection of the first authentication attempt from the user; sending, from the multifunction printer, authentication data associated with the first authentication attempt to an authentication server; receiving, from the authentication server, an authentication result associated with the first authentication attempt; and displaying, on the display panel of the multifunction printer, a second screen from the third-party workflow following a successful authentication result from the authentication server.