Mobile Terminal Wireless Authentication for Private Image Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming techniques require users to remain at the apparatus after inputting a password, which is inconvenient and burdensome, especially for private printing methods that need additional authentication steps.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves sending a print job with user ID data to multiple image forming apparatuses, using wireless communication to authenticate via a mobile terminal, and recognizing the user's face to authorize printing, allowing the apparatus to switch to an ordinary operating mode for secure and private output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If password authentication is used at the image forming apparatus, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates because users must remain at the apparatus after inputting the password
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions by sending the print job and user ID data to the image forming apparatus before the user arrives. The apparatus waits in a suspended state for wireless authentication, allowing the user to authenticate remotely via mobile terminal and then freely move around or leave the apparatus location.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile terminal acts as an intermediary between the user and the image forming apparatus. The user authenticates through the mobile terminal using biometric authentication, which then communicates with the apparatus wirelessly, eliminating the need for the user to physically interact with the apparatus after authentication.
2Reliability
If additional authentication steps are added for private printing, then security is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple authentication functions into a unified process. The print job submission, user ID verification, and biometric authentication are combined into a single integrated workflow where the mobile terminal handles authentication and the apparatus handles printing, reducing the perceived complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authentication where the user's biometric data is automatically captured and verified without manual intervention. The apparatus automatically suspends and resumes printing based on authentication status, eliminating the need for users to manually manage multiple authentication steps.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming method includes: receiving a print job and a print job ticket by at least one image forming apparatus; waiting for an access from a mobile terminal having user ID data using a wireless communication; authenticating for accessing the print job ticket using the user ID data by the image forming apparatus determined to be closest to the mobile terminal; transferring the print job ticket to the closest image forming apparatus in response to the access from the mobile terminal to the closest image forming apparatus; acquiring a facial image of a user in front of the closest image forming apparatus in response to the authentication; recognizing a face of an owner of the print job ticket in the acquired facial image to cause the closest image forming apparatus to print the image data; and printing the image data while the facial image is being recognized.