MFP Email Authentication via Segmented OAuth Flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices without a web browser, such as certain multifunction printers (MFPs), cannot utilize email services that rely on OAuth 2.0 authorization flows like the authorization code flow due to hardware limitations, limiting their ability to connect to cloud services.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that provides setting screens for different OAuth 2.0 authorization types, allowing MFPs to obtain access tokens for email services using either the device flow or authorization code flow, enabling support for various email services regardless of web browser availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a web browser is installed in the MFP to support authorization code flow, then compatibility with more email services is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authorization process into two distinct flows: device flow for MFPs without web browsers and authorization code flow for MFPs with web browsers. Each flow has its own setting screen and authentication mechanism, allowing the system to handle different device capabilities independently without requiring all MFPs to have web browser functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of authorization methods based on device capabilities. The system can adaptively choose between device flow and authorization code flow depending on whether the MFP has web browser functionality, making the authorization mechanism flexible and responsive to different hardware configurations.
2Ease of operation
If device flow is used for MFPs without web browsers, then ease of operation is improved, but service compatibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the information processing apparatus universal by supporting multiple authorization flows (device flow and authorization code flow) within the same system. The apparatus can function with or without a web browser, adapting to different service requirements. This multi-functionality allows a single MFP design to serve both simple device scenarios and more complex service integration scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple authorization flows are supported, then service compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different setting screens tailored to specific authorization flows. The device flow setting screen and authorization code flow setting screen have different interfaces and requirements optimized for their respective purposes. This localized approach allows each authorization method to have its own simplified interface while maintaining overall system versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus provides a setting screen for performing authorizing for an email service, makes a request to the email service using an access token obtained as a result of the authorizing. The information processing apparatus provides settings setting screens for performing different types of authorizing are provided for a first email service and a second email service.