Server Authentication Code Segmentation for Device Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for registering multiple information devices, such as image forming devices, are cumbersome due to the need for multiple authentication codes, which can be difficult to manage and require tedious setup processes.

Innovation Solution

A server system that generates a single PIN code for authenticating multiple information devices, simplifying the registration process by allowing a single code to be used across multiple devices and managing device IDs and serial numbers efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single authentication code is used for one information device, then authentication security is maintained, but the complexity of managing multiple authentication codes increases and setup becomes tedious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication code is segmented into two parts: a common first authentication code stored in the server for multiple devices, and a unique second authentication code stored in each information device. This segmentation allows the server to authenticate multiple devices using the first code while each device maintains its unique second code for device-specific authentication, thereby reducing management complexity while preserving security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple authentication codes are stored in the server for multiple information devices, then each device can be authenticated securely, but the setup process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The server performs preliminary actions by storing the first authentication code in advance for multiple information devices before actual authentication occurs. When a device needs authentication, the server already has the first code ready, and the device provides its pre-stored second code, enabling rapid authentication without time-consuming setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a sales person registers multiple information devices individually, then each device is properly authenticated, but the registration process becomes difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoidregistration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first authentication code serves a universal function for multiple information devices, allowing a single code to authenticate any device in the group. This multi-functionality enables sales persons to register multiple devices efficiently without needing to manage separate authentication codes for each device, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining authentication accuracy through the complementary second code.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2779616B1Server and method
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP2779616B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2779616B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2779616B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A server may store one or more accounts. Each account may be associated with an authentication code and a total number of information devices that are allowed to be registered. The authentication codes may be provided to users for registering information devices. The information device may transmit a connection request, including an entered authentication code, to a server. Upon receiving the connection request, the server may determine whether to register the particular information device. The server may determine whether the information device is allowed to be registered based on registerable information, which is associated with an account that is associated with the received authentication code and which represents a remaining number of information devices that are allowed to be registered using the associated authentication code. If the information device is allowed to be registered, the server may send authentication information to the information device, so it may transmit state information.