Remote Control Authentication for Image Processing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing device systems face challenges in allowing unregistered devices to remotely operate image processing devices while preventing illegal operations, as they require multiple registered devices for operation and lack effective authentication mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a hardware processor that executes remote operations only if confirmed by a master device registered in advance, ensuring that the user is authenticated and the operation is legitimate by using device and user authentication units to verify the authenticity of the operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple registered mobile information devices are required for remote operation, then security against illegal operations is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because unregistered devices cannot remotely operate the image processing device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master device as an intermediary that issues certificates to sub devices. This certificate mechanism allows unregistered devices to be authenticated through the master device's endorsement, resolving the contradiction by enabling secure access for unregistered devices while maintaining security through the certificate verification system
Solution Approach 2:
The master device performs preliminary authentication and issues certificates to sub devices before they can operate the image processing device. This preliminary action establishes trust relationships in advance, allowing unregistered devices to be accepted securely without requiring pre-registration
2Device complexity
If a single PC is used to remotely control multiple MFPs, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates because screens need to be switched to display setting information of respective MFPs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the remote control functionality by allowing multiple mobile information devices to connect simultaneously to different MFPs. Each device can independently control its assigned MFP without switching screens, dividing the control task across multiple independent control channels rather than requiring a single PC to manage all devices
3Reliability
If device registration is required for remote operation, then reliability is improved by preventing unauthorized access, but adaptability deteriorates because registered devices can only operate their own registered MFPs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal certificate-based authentication system where a single master device can issue certificates that enable sub devices to operate multiple different MFPs. This certificate mechanism provides multi-functionality, allowing the same authentication credential to work across different device pairs, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining security
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device includes: a hardware processor configured to: execute a process according to a received remote operation in response to reception of the remote operation from a master device registered in advance among a plurality of mobile information devices; confirm to a duplicate login device other than an own device among the plurality of image processing devices that the duplicate login device is remotely operated by the master device in a case where a remote operation of instructing connection with a sub device different from the master device is received from the master device; and execute a process according to a remote operation received from the sub device in a case where it is confirmed by a confirmation unit that the duplicate login device is remotely operated by the master device.