Image-Forming Apparatus Network Setup Via Authenticated Direct Wireless
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in securely and efficiently setting up network connections using direct wireless communication with electronic terminals, as they are vulnerable to unauthorized access and interruptions during the connection setup process.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an image forming apparatus equipped with a direct wireless communication device and a network communication device, which allows for easy setup mode processing. In this mode, the apparatus connects to an access point based on connection setup information received from an electronic terminal, using Wi-Fi Direct for secure and efficient network setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If connection setup information is transmitted via direct wireless communication during easy setup mode, then network connection setup becomes simplified and faster, but the system becomes vulnerable to unauthorized access and connection interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication of the electronic terminal before accepting connection setup information. The controller verifies whether the terminal is authorized to provide connection information, and only then proceeds to receive and process the connection setup data. This preliminary check prevents unauthorized access while maintaining the efficiency of the easy setup mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the direct wireless communication device and the network communication device. It receives connection setup information through the direct wireless communication device, validates the source, and then securely transmits the information to the network communication device for connection establishment. This intermediary role ensures secure handling of sensitive connection data.
2Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus accepts connection setup information from any electronic terminal, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary authentication to verify whether the electronic terminal is authorized to provide connection setup information before the easy setup mode proceeds. This preliminary check maintains operational simplicity for authorized users while blocking unauthorized access attempts, thus resolving the security concern without compromising ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the electronic terminal regarding whether its connection setup information will be accepted. The controller determines authorization status and can communicate this back to the terminal, allowing authorized terminals to proceed with setup while denying unauthorized ones, thus maintaining both ease of operation and security.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, a direct wireless communication device, a network communication device, and a control device that functions as a controller. The image forming device forms an image on a sheet. The direct wireless communication device performs direct wireless communication with an electronic terminal. The network communication device connects to an access point connected to a network. The controller controls processing in an easy setup mode in which connection of the network communication device to the access point is set up based on connection setup information received by the direct wireless communication device from the electronic terminal and regarding setup of connection to the access point, thus connecting the image forming apparatus to the access point.