Communication Apparatus Multi-Printer Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information processing devices lack the ability to select and manage multiple printers simultaneously and do not account for printer security through password protection, limiting efficient printer management and authentication.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus that displays an input region for authentication information and transmits this information to multiple function executing devices, allowing each device to authenticate and execute functions once authenticated, thereby enabling a single operation to manage multiple printers and ensure password protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one selects multiple printers individually to manage them, then each printer can be managed separately, but the operation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple printer selections into a single group operation. The controller allows users to select multiple printers simultaneously and perform authentication and management operations on all selected printers at once, rather than handling each printer individually. This combining approach directly reduces the time and steps required for managing multiple printers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal authentication mechanism that works across multiple different printers simultaneously. A single password input can authenticate against multiple printers with different authentication requirements, making the communication apparatus capable of handling diverse printer authentication scenarios through a unified interface and operation mode.
2Reliability
If printer authentication is not implemented, then the operation is simpler and faster, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication where each printer has its own authentication credentials stored locally. When a user inputs a password on the communication apparatus, the controller automatically transmits this password to each selected printer for verification. The printers independently perform authentication checks using their stored credentials, eliminating the need for a complex centralized authentication server while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If different passwords are set for each printer, then security is enhanced, but the operation time and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple password inputs into a single operation. When users select multiple printers for management, the controller enables them to input one password that will be transmitted to all selected printers for authentication. This merging of password input operations maintains the security of individual printer authentication while dramatically simplifying the user experience by eliminating the need to manually enter separate passwords for each printer.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory storage medium stores instructions executable by a processor of a communication apparatus configured to communicate with a function executing device. The communication apparatus includes a communication device and a display. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the communication apparatus to execute: a display processing for controlling the display to display an information display screen containing a first input region for input of authentication information; and a transmission processing in which the communication apparatus transmits one set of the authentication information input to the first input region, to function executing devices each as the function executing device, and when each of the function executing devices has succeeded in authentication of the authentication information, each of the function executing devices executes a function instructed by the communication apparatus.