MFP Cloud Setup via Local Approval and Server Token
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems with cloud cooperation functions require complex operations for setup, making it inconvenient for ordinary users to enable and use these features, especially in devices with scanning and recording capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and system that includes a recording device, scanning device, communication device, receiving device, notification device, and controller, which facilitates an enabling request process, token creation, and server access token management to simplify the setup and usage of cloud cooperation functions by automating the approval process and eliminating the need for administrator login.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the web page provided by the embedded web server is displayed on an external device and administrator login is required to configure settings, then security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated setup procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the terminal device and the image processing apparatus. The server receives enabling requests from terminal devices, manages authentication, and coordinates the token issuance process. This intermediary simplifies the user experience by handling complex authentication procedures in the background while maintaining security through controlled access mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service functionality where the terminal device can autonomously obtain a server access token by sending an enabling request to the server. The server automatically processes the request, creates the token, and provides it to the terminal device without requiring manual administrator intervention or complex login procedures, thereby simplifying the operation while maintaining security controls.
2Ease of operation
If automated approval process and server access token management are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex authentication and token management functionality from the image processing apparatus and places it in an external server. The image processing apparatus only needs to implement simple interfaces for receiving enabling requests and server access tokens, while the server handles the complex logic of token creation, validation, and management. This extraction reduces the complexity of the image processing apparatus while maintaining the automated approval process.
Solution Approach 2:
The server implements a universal authentication mechanism that can serve multiple image processing apparatuses and multiple terminal devices through a single centralized system. The server access token mechanism provides a multi-functional solution that handles authentication, authorization, and session management across the entire system, reducing the need for separate authentication implementations in each device and thereby managing complexity through consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
According to aspects of the present disclosures, when receiving an enabling request of a cloud cooperation function, a controller of an MFP notifies a user using an LCD module and change its state to an approval waiting state. When an approval operation by a user is confirmed, the MFP shifts access permission state and notifies a mobile terminal of the fact. When a constant connection between the MFP and a server is established, the MFP transmits a creation request for creating a server access token to the server. Then, the MFP receives the server access toke and transmits the same to the mobile terminal.