Proximity-Based Terminal Device for Secure Mail Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mail transmission systems for files with digital signatures are cumbersome when the user transmitting the file is different from the authorizer, requiring the authorizer to perform additional operations for approval and mail transmission.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device and mail transmission system that enables easy mail transmission of files with digital signatures by allowing the user to request encryption processing from a nearby authorizer's terminal device, obtaining the encrypted value, and instructing mail transmission, while managing the encryption key and authentication information for secure communication with an image processing apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the authorizer performs manual operations to attach digital signature and perform mail transmission, then the digital signature can be properly applied, but the operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism where the authorizer's terminal device mediates the authentication process through proximity-based communication. The user terminal device communicates with the authorizer's terminal device within a predetermined distance, and the authorizer's device automatically provides authentication information without requiring manual intervention for signature attachment or mail transmission operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authentication where the user terminal device automatically obtains authentication information from the authorizer's terminal device through proximity-based communication. The authorizer's device automatically generates and transmits authentication information when the user terminal is within range, eliminating the need for manual operations to attach digital signatures or initiate mail transmission.
2Reliability
If the authorizer uses personal log-in information to perform operations, then authentication is secure, but the operational burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism where the authorizer's terminal device mediates the authentication process through proximity-based communication. The system uses the authorizer's stored authentication information as an intermediary credential that can be automatically shared with the user terminal device when within predetermined distance, eliminating the need for real-time manual authentication operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The authorizer's terminal device performs preliminary authentication by storing authentication information in advance. When the user terminal device comes within predetermined distance, the pre-stored authentication information is automatically provided without requiring the authorizer to perform real-time authentication operations, thus reducing time loss while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If manual approval operations are required, then authorization control is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service authentication where the user terminal device automatically obtains authentication information from the authorizer's terminal device through proximity-based communication. This automated process maintains authorization control through cryptographic verification while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating manual approval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual operation system with an automated proximity-based communication system. Instead of manual log-in and signature attachment operations, the system uses automatic authentication information exchange between terminal devices within predetermined distance, maintaining security controls while improving mail transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal device includes, as functions for transmitting a file with a digital signature via mail, a first communication unit for carrying out communication with a terminal device used by an authorizer when a distance from that terminal device is not greater than a prescribed distance, an obtaining unit for obtaining a value obtained from a file to be transmitted, which has been encrypted through encryption processing performed by making use of information exchanged with that terminal device, and a transmission instruction unit for outputting an instruction for mail transmission of the file and the obtained encrypted value.