Workflow Authentication Server for Multi-Device Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face a burden of repeated password inputs when operating multiple devices, especially in workflows requiring high confidentiality, as existing authentication methods do not efficiently transfer authentication across different devices, leading to increased labor and security vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that allows a user authenticated on one device to skip password input on subsequent devices within the same workflow group by using an authentication server to manage device groups and workflow associations, enabling single authentication across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user authentication is performed on each device separately, then security is maintained for each device, but user authentication burden increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges authentication management across multiple devices by introducing a workflow management server that coordinates authentication states. When a user authenticates on one device, the authentication result is shared with other devices in the same workflow group, eliminating repeated password inputs while maintaining security through centralized workflow-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication mechanism is designed to be universal across multiple devices within a workflow. The system allows a single authentication to validate access across different devices (scanner, printer, MFP) participating in the same workflow, making the authentication system multi-functional rather than device-specific.
2Reliability
If password input is required for each device operation, then security is ensured, but labor time increases proportionally with the number of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication action on the first device in a workflow, and then reuses this authentication result for subsequent devices. The workflow management server stores the authentication state and retrieves it when the user accesses other devices in the workflow, eliminating the need for repeated password inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow management server acts as an intermediary that manages authentication states and coordinates between multiple devices. It receives authentication information from one device and distributes it to other devices in the workflow, reducing the time users spend on repeated password inputs while maintaining security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different devices are used for different workflow steps, then workflow flexibility is improved, but authentication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow management server serves as an intermediary that simplifies authentication across multiple devices. It manages the complexity of coordinating authentication states between different devices (scanner, printer, MFP) while allowing users to benefit from device diversity. The server handles the complex logic of authentication sharing, making the system appear simple to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is designed to work universally across different device types. The workflow management server implements a device-type-agnostic authentication mechanism that can handle scanners, printers, MFPs, and other devices uniformly, maintaining workflow flexibility without increasing user-facing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method, capable of reducing a load of user authentication on a user, when a specific operation is performed using a plurality of apparatuses. In an embodiment of the present invention, an authentication server searches a device group corresponding to devices identified by device identification information transmitted to the authentication server, and searches a workflow. Subsequently, the authentication server judges whether or not a workflow in operation exists, and, if exists, does not instruct password input but directly instructs device processing.