Mobile Device Authentication for Printers via Two-Phase Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for authenticating users at printing devices, such as manual entry and card-based authentication, are inefficient and require users to carry identification cards, while existing solutions for mobile device authentication face limitations in establishing a two-way communication path with printing devices.
Innovation Solution
A two-phase authentication method using a mobile device, where the first phase involves user credential verification at the printing device and the second phase utilizes the mobile device for additional security, leveraging short-range communications and LAN/Internet connections to manage access and enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If card-based authentication is used, then authentication speed is improved, but users must carry identification cards which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical identification card with a digital copy stored on the user's mobile device. The mobile device contains authentication credentials that replicate the functionality of the physical card, allowing users to authenticate without carrying the actual card while maintaining authentication speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical card-swiping system with an electronic communication system. Instead of physically inserting or swiping a card through a card reader, the authentication process uses wireless communication between the mobile device and printing device, eliminating the need for physical card handling.
2Ease of operation
If mobile device authentication is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but establishing two-way communication path becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary to manage the authentication process. The server receives authentication requests from mobile devices, verifies credentials, and coordinates the two-way communication between the mobile device and printing device, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing communication complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the authentication process into distinct phases: initial credential verification, authentication token generation, and final access authorization. This segmentation allows each component to handle a specific task, making the overall authentication system more manageable and less complex.
3Reliability
If two-phase authentication is implemented, then security is improved, but authentication time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary credential verification and authentication token generation before the actual printing operation. By completing the security verification in advance and caching the authentication state, the system ensures security while minimizing the time required for the actual authentication moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous authentication sessions where, after initial verification, the user's identity is confirmed for a period of time. This allows multiple printing operations to occur without repeating the full two-phase authentication process, reducing overall authentication time while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided for authenticating users of mobile devices for accessing printing devices. According to the approach, a short-range communications method is used to establish the identity of printing devices, and then authentication is performed using a Local Area Network (LAN)/Internet or mobile network connection. Embodiments include the use of two-phase authentication to provide additional security.