Image Forming Apparatus Communication Method Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems between mobile devices and image forming apparatuses lack efficient methods for secure data transfer and resource management, leading to potential data leakage and inefficient use of resources.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that includes a digital multi-function peripheral and a mobile phone, utilizing Bluetooth technology for wireless communication and RFID for non-contact data transfer, with mechanisms to establish secure connections by exchanging unique addresses and passkeys, and managing resource usage by invalidating pairing requests from other devices once a connection is established.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication system methods are supported for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the image forming apparatus with multiple communication system settings (first and second communication system methods) before actual use. The system presents these pre-established options to the external device, allowing flexible selection without requiring complex real-time configuration decisions. This resolves the contradiction by preparing adaptability in advance, reducing the operational complexity burden.
2Productivity
If connection data is retained for repeated use, then productivity is improved, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the connection data retention state changeable based on external input. The system dynamically transitions between retaining connection data (for productivity) and deleting it (for security) based on user selection or system conditions. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its data retention behavior to current security requirements while maintaining efficiency when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by selectively deleting connection data after use or under certain conditions, rather than permanently retaining it. The system can recover connection efficiency by re-establishing connections through the same communication methods without permanently storing sensitive connection data. This resolves the contradiction by temporary retention followed by deliberate discarding when security concerns arise.
3Reliability
If communication data is deleted after use, then security is improved, but loss of time occurs for reconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple communication system methods in the image forming apparatus before connection data is deleted. When reconnection is needed, the system can quickly re-establish communication using the pre-configured methods without extensive setup time. This resolves the contradiction by preparing communication pathways in advance, minimizing reconnection time while maintaining security through data deletion.
4Reliability
If first communication system method is selected for exclusive use, then reliability is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the system to switch between exclusive use of the first communication system method and acceptance of multiple methods based on user selection or system conditions. The image forming apparatus can dynamically adjust its communication method acceptance policy, transitioning from exclusive first-method usage to multi-method support when needed. This resolves the contradiction by making the system's method acceptance behavior changeable rather than fixed.
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
Ensures secure data transfer by preventing unauthorized access and efficient resource use by deleting connection data after use, thereby enhancing security and resource management.
Implementation Method 1
a reader/writer for sending an image forming apparatus address to the external device when the external device is brought close to the reader/writer
Implementation Method 2
when the external device is brought close to the reader/writer, the reader/writer sends an image forming apparatus address to the external device
Data Source
AI summary
In a communication system, an image forming apparatus sends an address of a receiving section to an external device. The external device receives a selection of image data through plural thumbnails displayed on a display section, and wirelessly sends the selected image data to the image forming apparatus with the address. The image forming apparatus receives the selected image data sent with the address by the external device, and prints an image based on the selected image data. The image forming apparatus accepts a selection indicating whether a communication between the external device and the image forming apparatus is performed by a first communication system method or a second communication system method. The image forming apparatus performs sending and/or receiving the image data with the address by the first communication system method when the first communication system method is selected, and performs sending and/or receiving the image data with the address by the second communication system method when the second communication system method is selected.