NFC Authentication for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require users to manually input user IDs and passwords, which is cumbersome and prone to errors, especially when dealing with unregistered portable terminals or biological information, affecting operativity and usability.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a storing unit for user and identification information, an acquiring unit for near field wireless communication, and a control unit that authenticates users by associating identification information or biological data, displaying selectable regions for user information input, simplifying the registration process by allowing users to select icon marks or lists for automatic input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users manually input user IDs and passwords for authentication, then user authentication can be performed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual input system with an automatic identification system using NFC (Near Field Communication). The terminal device automatically transmits identification information to the image forming apparatus through wireless communication, eliminating the need for manual keyboard input and thereby improving both accuracy and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device performs self-service by automatically generating and transmitting its identification information to the image forming apparatus. The system autonomously completes the authentication data entry process without requiring user intervention for typing user IDs or passwords, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually input user information for unregistered terminals, then new terminals can be registered, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual information input with automatic NFC-based identification. When a terminal is brought near the image forming apparatus, the terminal's identification information is automatically read and transmitted, enabling rapid registration of new terminals without time-consuming manual data entry
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device pre-stores its identification information in an easily readable format before approaching the image forming apparatus. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly capture and register terminal information through NFC communication, significantly reducing registration time while maintaining adaptability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances user authentication efficiency and reduces the likelihood of errors by automating the input of user IDs and passwords through icon selection or lists, improving the overall usability and simplifying the initial registration process.
Implementation Method 1
an acquiring unit configured to acquire the pieces of identification information assigned to the portable terminals to identify the portable terminals individually through an antenna configured to receive information by near field wireless communication from an associated one of the portable terminals positioned within a predetermined distance from the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an information storing unit, an information acquiring unit and a control unit. On the basis of association between pieces of identification information stored in the storing unit and pieces of user information, the control unit authenticates the use of the image forming apparatus by a user corresponding to an associated piece of identification information. Upon acquisition by the acquiring unit, of a piece of identification information which is not stored in the storing unit, the controller unit causes a display portion to display display regions corresponding to pieces of user information so as to be selectable to cause the storing unit to store piece of identification information and a corresponding piece of user information in association with each other.