Secure Image Printing via BLE Auto-Handshake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional authentication methods for image forming devices, such as printers and MFPs, introduce delays and points of failure due to the need for user interaction and multiple authentication factors, especially when using mobile devices for secure printing, scanning, and copying services.
Innovation Solution
The system employs automated handshake between mobile devices and image forming devices via short-range communication technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for seamless authentication, eliminating the need for user interaction and enabling automatic device identification and session management, including automatic logout when the user is no longer in range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional authentication methods (user ID, password, proximity card, biometric scan) are used at the image forming device, then security is improved, but operation time and user frustration increase due to multiple authentication factors and user interaction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authentication preliminarily by establishing a trusted relationship between the mobile device and image forming device before actual use. The mobile device automatically authenticates the user based on pre-configured credentials, eliminating the need for real-time authentication interactions at the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authentication where the mobile device automatically performs authentication without requiring user interaction with the image forming device. The mobile device sends authentication requests and receives responses automatically, making the authentication process transparent to the user.
2Reliability
If multiple authentication factors are required for secure access, then security is improved, but device complexity and points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the authentication functionality from the image forming device and relocates it to the mobile device. The mobile device handles all authentication factors (user ID, password, proximity card, biometric data) and communicates the authentication result to the image forming device, simplifying the device's authentication system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and the image forming device's authentication system. It manages multiple authentication factors and presents a single authenticated identity to the device, reducing the complexity of handling multiple authentication methods at the device itself.
3Reliability
If manual authentication processes are used, then security control is improved, but productivity and user efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical manual authentication process (user physically interacting with authentication interfaces) with an automated electronic authentication process. The mobile device automatically establishes communication with the image forming device and completes authentication without mechanical user actions at the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication process becomes continuous and seamless, integrated into the user's natural workflow of approaching and using the device. The automatic authentication maintains continuous security control without interrupting the user's productive actions, making security transparent to the workflow.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach speeds up access, reduces user frustration, and enhances security by automating the authentication and device identification process, ensuring secure and efficient operation of image forming devices.
Implementation Method 1
automated handshake between the mobile device and the image forming (or output) device, such as by means of short-range communication by Bluetooth, or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methodologies, for secure operation of an image forming (or output) device, by automated handshaking between the image forming (or output) device and a user's mobile device, when the mobile device is within short-range operation range.