MFP Customized Screen via PC Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing apparatuses require cumbersome user input for authentication, leading to inefficient operation when used in conjunction with information processing apparatuses, especially when displaying customized screens for users.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that communicates with an information processing apparatus and an external authentication server to authenticate users based on acquired user information, allowing for the automatic display of customized screens without user input, utilizing a user authentication information table and application-related screen display information to determine permitted users and display appropriate screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user authentication is implemented to display customized screens, then user-specific customization is improved, but operational complexity increases due to required user input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an information processing apparatus as an intermediary between the user and the image processing apparatus. This intermediary automatically transmits user identification information to the image processing apparatus, eliminating the need for users to manually input authentication data. The intermediary captures user login information from the information processing apparatus and forwards it to the image processing apparatus, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing customized screens and maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication by acquiring user identification information before the user needs to use the image processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus captures user login data in advance and transmits it to the image processing apparatus, so that when the user approaches the device, authentication has already been completed or is automatically processed, eliminating the need for manual input at the moment of use.
2Reliability
If manual user authentication is required, then security is maintained, but time efficiency deteriorates due to additional operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus serves as a mediator that automatically handles the transmission of user identification information to the image processing apparatus. This automated intermediary process maintains security by ensuring proper authentication occurs while eliminating the time loss associated with manual authentication steps. The intermediary captures and transmits user data automatically, so authentication happens in the background without adding to user workflow time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service authentication where the information processing apparatus automatically provides user identification information to the image processing apparatus without requiring user intervention. The authentication process serves itself by utilizing existing login data from the information processing apparatus, thereby maintaining security protocols while eliminating time-consuming manual authentication steps.
3Ease of operation
If customized screens are displayed for each user, then user experience is improved, but device complexity increases due to authentication management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by introducing an external information processing apparatus as an intermediary that handles authentication data management. The image processing apparatus itself does not need to store or manage user authentication information; instead, it receives user identification data from the intermediary information processing apparatus. This distributes the complexity to an external system while keeping the image processing apparatus relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus is provided that is capable of displaying a customized screen without requiring direct input operations to the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus (for example, a multi-function peripheral, or MFP) is communicably connected to an information processing apparatus (for example, a personal computer, or PC) and includes a displaying portion. The MFP acquires user information related to a login user who logs in to the PC, authenticates based on the acquired user information to determine whether the login user is a usage permitted user who is permitted to use the MFP, and displays a customized screen corresponding to the login user on the displaying portion of the MFP when the login user is authenticated as the usage permitted user.