Per-Application Authentication Method Selection for Image Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing apparatuses require users to perform time-consuming authentication operations, compromising security and user convenience, as existing techniques do not allow for appropriate authentication methods on an application-by-application basis.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a storage unit for authentication method settings, an authentication method determination unit, and an authentication unit that selects between a first method requiring no authentication information input and a second method requiring input, based on pre-set authentication methods for each application, enabling appropriate authentication on a per-application basis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If function-by-function authentication is implemented to restrict application usage, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to time-consuming authentication operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process into two distinct types: simple authentication (e.g., user ID input) and strict authentication (e.g., fingerprint or password input). This segmentation allows the system to apply different authentication methods based on the specific application being accessed, thereby improving security for sensitive applications while maintaining convenience for less sensitive ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic authentication method selection based on the accessed application. The authentication method determination unit dynamically decides whether to apply simple or strict authentication depending on the application type, user settings, and security requirements. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting the authentication strictness to the specific context rather than applying a uniform method.
2Reliability
If authentication information input is required for all applications, then security is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial authentication action by requiring only simple authentication (user ID input) for applications where full security is not critical, while reserving strict authentication (fingerprint or password) for applications that require higher security. This partial approach reduces the overall authentication time while maintaining adequate security levels for each specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different authentication quality levels to different applications based on their security requirements. Simple authentication with shorter operation time is applied to applications with lower security needs, while strict authentication is applied only where necessary. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between security and time for each specific case.
3Ease of operation
If authentication methods are simplified across the board, then user convenience is improved, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic authentication method selection based on the accessed application. The authentication method determination unit dynamically decides whether to apply simple or strict authentication depending on the application type, user settings, and security requirements. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting the authentication strictness to the specific context rather than applying a uniform method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameter (method type) based on the application being accessed. By modifying the authentication method parameter from simple to strict depending on security requirements, the system maintains convenience for low-security applications while ensuring security for high-security applications, thus resolving the contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus capable of an authentication technique which enables appropriate user authentication on an application-by-application basic without requiring users to perform time-consuming operations. A storage unit stores authentication method setting information in which authentication methods for respective ones of a plurality of applications are set. An authentication method determination unit determines an authentication method for use in authentication to be performed before a selected application is executed, based on the authentication method setting information. An authentication unit performs the authentication using the authentication method determined by the authentication method determination unit. The authentication methods include at least a first authentication method that does not require input of authentication information and a second authentication method that requires input of the authentication information.