Printing System Authentication via Segmented Verification Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing systems that use displayed codes for print instructions are vulnerable to unauthorized printing by third parties if the codes are copied and used by unexpected individuals.
Innovation Solution
A printing system comprising an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a server that generates and verifies a verification identification number, ensuring that only authorized users can initiate printing by separating the display of the print code and verification identification number and requiring server verification before printing data is transmitted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a code for print instruction is displayed on a client terminal and an image forming apparatus reads the code to perform printing, then printing can be more easily performed, but there is a risk that a third party can perform printing by copying the displayed code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the authentication mechanism into two separate components: a print code displayed on the client terminal and a verification identification number displayed on the server. The image forming apparatus must obtain both components and verify their match with the server before printing. This segmentation prevents unauthorized printing because copying only the print code is insufficient without the corresponding verification identification number from the server.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that mediates between the client terminal and the image forming apparatus. It generates the verification identification number, receives it from the image forming apparatus, performs verification, and controls whether printing occurs. This intermediary role ensures that printing authority is centrally controlled and verified, preventing third-party unauthorized printing while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a verification identification number system is implemented to prevent unauthorized printing, then security against third-party copying is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs multiple functions within a single system: it generates the verification identification number, stores the verification data, receives verification requests from the image forming apparatus, performs the verification, and controls the printing authorization. By consolidating these functions in the server rather than distributing them across multiple devices, the system achieves high security without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the image forming apparatus sends the verification identification number to the server, receives verification results, and based on that feedback, either proceeds with printing or rejects the request. This automated feedback loop ensures security verification without requiring complex manual intervention, maintaining system manageability while enhancing security.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system comprises an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus and a server that provides a print service. The information processing apparatus makes a request to the server for information for obtaining print data to be printed, displays a screen that includes a print code based on the information, makes a request to the server for a verification identification number of the print data and displays on a display unit the obtained verification identification number. The image forming apparatus reads the displayed print code, displays a screen for inputting the displayed verification identification number, transmits information included in the print code and the input verification identification number to the server, and in a case where the server successfully verifies the verification identification number, obtains the print data from the server and print the print data.