Wireless Authentication for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction Peripherals (MFPs) face increased costs and user inconvenience due to the need for IC card readers and password input for authentication, which complicates the login process and poses security risks.
Innovation Solution
An MFP system that uses wireless communication between a user terminal and an image processing apparatus, allowing for authentication through a login APP on a portable device, eliminating the need for IC card readers and simplifying the login process by using Bluetooth communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an IC card reader is provided in the MFP for authentication, then user authentication security is improved, but the cost of the MFP increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that performs authentication remotely. Instead of requiring an IC card reader in the MFP, the system uses a server to verify user credentials through wireless communication, eliminating the need for expensive local authentication hardware while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical IC card reading system with a wireless communication-based authentication system. The MFP uses its existing communication interfaces to exchange authentication data with a server, substituting physical card reading with electronic data transmission
2Reliability
If password input is required for authentication, then authentication security is maintained, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication where the user's terminal device automatically performs authentication with the server using pre-registered credentials. The MFP simply receives authentication results from the server, eliminating the need for users to manually input passwords or handle IC cards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs authentication actions in advance by registering user credentials with the server before actual use. When the user needs to access the MFP, the authentication has already been prepared and can be completed automatically through wireless communication, eliminating the need for real-time password input
3Reliability
If password input is required for authentication, then authentication can be performed, but the risk of password leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the password input process from the MFP interaction entirely. Authentication credentials are handled exclusively between the user's terminal device and the server through secure wireless communication, removing the vulnerability point where users would type passwords into the MFP's interface
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as a secure intermediary that handles all authentication credential verification. Passwords and sensitive authentication data never touch the MFP system, reducing the attack surface and preventing password leakage through the MFP's input interfaces
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
The system reduces user workload and costs by enabling a more straightforward login operation without the need for password input, while maintaining secure authentication through pre-registered terminal devices.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless communication section configured to wirelessly communicate with a terminal device of a user of the image processing apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprises a wireless communication section, a terminal authentication section and a login processing section. The wireless communication section wirelessly communicates with a terminal device of a user. The terminal authentication section authenticates the terminal device requesting a connection with the image forming apparatus. The login processing section processes the login of the user according to the authentication on the terminal device.