Proximity-Based Mobile Terminal Authentication System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-function peripherals require users to physically hold up their IC cards for authentication, leading to inefficiencies and increased waiting times during the login process.

Innovation Solution

A communication system comprising an information processing apparatus and a mobile terminal that allows users to authenticate by simply approaching the apparatus, using Bluetooth communication to determine signal strength and manage login requests based on predefined conditions, thereby reducing waiting time and enhancing convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If IC card authentication is used, then user authentication can be performed, but it requires physical contact and increases waiting time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidlogin waiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical IC card insertion system with a wireless communication system using mobile terminals. The mobile terminal communicates with the information processing apparatus via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical card insertion and reducing login waiting time while maintaining authentication reliability through signal-based identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the mobile terminal continuously available and pre-configured with user identification information. When the user approaches the apparatus, the authentication process can immediately begin without the need to physically retrieve or insert an IC card, thereby reducing waiting time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If IC card authentication is used, then user authentication can be performed, but it requires physical contact which reduces convenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidlogin convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical IC card insertion operation with a contactless wireless communication system. Users simply need to have their mobile terminal near the apparatus for authentication, eliminating the need to physically handle and insert cards, thus significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining secure authentication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal automatically performs authentication functions without requiring manual card insertion operations. The system detects the mobile terminal's presence and initiates authentication processes automatically, making the login process more convenient and user-friendly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11700343B2Communication system, mobile terminal, method of controlling the mobile terminal, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.07.11 CANON KK

AI summary

A communication system comprising an information processing apparatus and a mobile terminal, wherein when the mobile terminal receives a packet transmitted from the information processing apparatus, it determines whether or not a login condition for transmitting a login request is satisfied based on a received signal strength of the packet, and it transmits the login request to the information processing apparatus in a case where it determines that the login condition is satisfied, and does not transmit the login request to the information processing apparatus in a case where it is determines that the login condition is not satisfied.