Multi-Authentication Unit Account Management for Proxy Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of multiple accounts becomes complicated when a second user acts on behalf of a first user, requiring the creation of new accounts, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a processor that provides multiple authentication units for a single account, allowing login using any of these units and assigning authority to each, thereby enabling a second user to operate a device without creating a new account.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new account is created for the second user to act on behalf of the first user, then the second user can operate the device, but the account management becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The first user's account is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used by the first user for direct operations and by the second user for proxy operations. The system allows the same account credentials to be shared between different users for different purposes, eliminating the need for separate accounts for proxy operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the first user's account credentials with the second user's identity by allowing the second user to input the first user's account information. The system combines these into a unified authentication mechanism where the second user operates under the first user's account authority without requiring a separate account creation process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accounts are created to handle proxy operations, then user authorization is flexible, but the number of accounts increases management burden
Solution Approach 1:
A single account serves multiple authorization purposes by being usable by both the account owner for direct operations and by other users for proxy operations. This universal account design maintains flexible authorization capabilities while avoiding the proliferation of multiple accounts.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating separate accounts for each user who needs access, the system inverts the approach by allowing multiple users to access a single account through controlled proxy mechanisms. This reduces the total number of accounts while maintaining authorization flexibility.
3Device complexity
If proxy operation is implemented without creating new accounts, then account management is simplified, but authentication control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a proxy request mechanism as an intermediary layer between the second user and the device. When the second user logs in with the first user's account credentials, the system mediates the authentication process by verifying the proxy relationship and granting appropriate access rights, thereby maintaining authentication control without requiring separate accounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms to track and control proxy operations. The device can identify whether an operation is performed by the account owner or by a proxy user, and can enforce different authorization rules accordingly. This feedback loop ensures reliable authentication control while using a simplified single-account approach.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to provide plural authentication units for one account for logging into a device, permit login by the one account even using any of the plural of authentication units, and assign authority of the one account to each of the authentication units.