Portable Terminal Security via Dynamic Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing commodity sales data processing apparatuses are vulnerable to unauthorized use since they can be easily demounted from docking stations, allowing unauthorized individuals to perform illegal operations.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with an input device, an acquisition unit, and a processor that permits operation inputs when mounted on a docking station but requires user authentication via biological information, such as face images, when demounted, ensuring only authorized operators can use the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the information processing apparatus is made easily demountable from the docking station for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the security measures dynamic rather than static. The acquisition unit is activated only when the apparatus is demounted from the docking station, and the processor dynamically adjusts authentication requirements based on the mounting state. This allows the system to be portable while maintaining security only when needed (when demounted), resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.
2Reliability
If user authentication is always required for operation, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation into two distinct modes: mounted mode and demounted mode. When mounted on the docking station, no authentication is required and operations are convenient. When demounted, authentication is required for security. This segmentation allows the system to provide both convenience and security at appropriate times, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the acquisition unit is always activated to capture operator information, then security is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating the acquisition unit only at specific moments when the apparatus is demounted from the docking station, rather than continuously. The processor monitors the mounting state and triggers authentication only when needed. This periodic activation maintains security when necessary while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous activation, resolving the contradiction between security and energy usage.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, an information processing apparatus (1) is mountable on and demountable from a docking station (2), and has an input device (11), an acquisition unit (42) to acquire information indicating an operator for user authentication, and a processor. When the apparatus (1) is mounted on the docking station (2), the processor permits acceptance of the operation input by the input device (11), without starting up the acquisition unit (42). When the apparatus (1) is demounted from the docking station (2), the processor starts up the acquisition unit (42), and performs user authentication based on the information indicating the operator which has been acquired by the started up acquisition unit (42). When the operator is approved as a specific operator of the information processing apparatus (1), as a result of the user authentication, the processor permits acceptance of the operation input by the input device (11).