Authentication Print Job Storage and Comparison Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience and frustration as they need to re-authenticate after sending an authentication print job from a terminal device to an image forming apparatus, especially when the image data has not yet been received, requiring them to wait and re-input their credentials.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus is configured to store user identification information input during authentication and perform a comparison with stored data once the authentication print job is received, allowing for seamless authentication without the need for re-input when the data is fully received.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the authentication process waits for complete image data reception before verification, then authentication accuracy is improved, but user waiting time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing the user's identification information immediately when provided, before the complete image data is received. This allows the authentication process to begin as soon as the necessary credentials are available, rather than waiting for the entire print job to be received. The controller stores the ID information in advance and prepares for comparison, thus resolving the contradiction by acting preliminarily while maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If the system requires re-authentication when image data is not yet received, then authentication security is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically storing and retaining the user's identification information provided during the initial authentication attempt. When the image data is subsequently received, the controller automatically performs the comparison without requiring the user to re-input their credentials. This self-serve mechanism maintains security through verification while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating redundant user actions.
3Speed
If the controller stores identification information during image data reception, then authentication processing speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the identification information storage function with the existing image data reception process. The controller integrates the storage of ID information into the same processing flow that handles incoming print jobs, rather than adding a completely separate authentication subsystem. This consolidation improves processing speed by having both data streams ready simultaneously while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a receiving portion that receives an authentication print job sent by a user; a comparison portion that compares identification information received through the user's input with identification information included in image data; a job execution portion that executes the authentication print job in the case where the comparison between the received identification information and the identification information included in the image data has succeeded; and a password storage portion that stores identification information in the case where the authentication print job is in the process of being received in order to enable the comparison made by the comparison portion with respect to the authentication print job that is being received.