Wireless Authentication for Multifunction Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunctional peripheral devices (MFPs) require cumbersome user operations for authentication and data transmission, especially when cooperating with mobile terminals, as users need to log in to the MFP and then operate the mobile terminal, making the process inconvenient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A control method that enables user authentication via short-range wireless communication, allowing the image processing apparatus to transition to a functional state upon successful authentication, and subsequently transmits data for MFP functions using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Low Energy communication, enabling seamless operation between the MFP and mobile terminal without the need for manual login on both devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user authentication and data transmission are conducted separately through manual login on MFP and then operation on mobile terminal, then security requirements are met, but operational complexity increases and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges authentication and data transmission operations into a single integrated process. The mobile terminal transmits both authentication information and function operation data together through one wireless communication session, eliminating the need for separate manual login on MFP followed by operation on mobile terminal. This combining approach maintains security verification while dramatically simplifying user操作流程.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary mechanism between mobile terminal and MFP. Instead of requiring direct interaction with MFP's operation panel for authentication, the mobile terminal serves as an intermediary that transmits authentication data wirelessly to MFP, which then automatically processes the authentication and transitions to functional state. This intermediary approach enhances ease of operation while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If multiple separate operations (login on MFP, then operate mobile terminal) are required for MFP-mobile terminal cooperation, then security control is maintained, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the mobile terminal prepare and transmit authentication information before actual function execution. The MFP receives and processes this authentication data in advance, transitioning to a functional state where subsequent operations can proceed without requiring separate login steps. This preliminary authentication action reduces overall time consumption while maintaining security control throughout the process.
3Device complexity
If manual login and sequential operations are required for MFP authentication, then device complexity remains manageable, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service functionality where the MFP automatically processes authentication based on data received from mobile terminal. Once the mobile terminal transmits authentication information, the MFP autonomously verifies credentials, transitions to appropriate functional state, and prepares to execute requested operations without requiring user intervention on the MFP's operation panel. This self-service mechanism maintains manageable device complexity while dramatically improving user convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
An information terminal transmits information relating to user authentication to an image processing apparatus via short-range wireless communication. The image processing apparatus performs processing for the user authentication using the received information, and transitions to a status where a function of the image processing apparatus is used via an operation unit upon condition that the user authentication has succeeded. The information terminal transmits data to be used in any one of individual functions included in the image processing apparatus to the image processing apparatus based on receipt of information indicating successful user authentication from the image processing apparatus. After receiving the data from the information terminal, the image processing apparatus uses the received data as a setting of the function of the image processing apparatus that corresponds to the data.