Image Forming Device Protocol Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face increased operational burdens when trying to select and establish communication with a printing device using a desired protocol, as existing systems do not allow for protocol selection based on device information, forcing users to manually choose secure protocols like HTTPS.
Innovation Solution
The image forming device determines the destination for print data and specifies destination information to the client, allowing the client to send print data using the desired protocol, such as HTTPS for security, reducing user operations by allowing protocol selection and change without additional user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a predetermined protocol is used for print data transmission, then communication simplicity is maintained, but protocol flexibility and user choice are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol selection where the image forming device determines the communication protocol based on the type of data to be transmitted. Confidential data automatically triggers secure protocols (HTTPS/FTP), while ordinary data uses simpler protocols (HTTP/FTP), allowing the system to adapt its communication method dynamically rather than being fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters (protocol type) based on data classification. The image forming device analyzes the data type and automatically adjusts protocol parameters, switching between secure and non-secure communication modes without requiring user intervention
2Reliability
If secure protocols like HTTPS are used for confidential data, then security is improved, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming device performs self-service by automatically determining whether data is confidential and selecting the appropriate protocol without user input. The device autonomously classifies data and initiates secure or non-secure communication, eliminating the need for users to manually configure security settings
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming device acts as an intermediary that mediates between the user's printing request and the communication protocol selection. It intercepts the print data, analyzes its confidentiality, and automatically chooses the appropriate protocol, shielding the user from complex security decisions
3Measurement precision
If device information is used only for device selection, then selection accuracy is maintained, but protocol determination capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming device uses its identification information for multiple functions: both device selection and protocol determination. The same device information that identifies the printer also indicates its protocol capabilities and data handling characteristics, allowing the system to serve multiple purposes with a single information set
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming device, which is configured to receive print data from a client via a network and process the print data, includes a print request receiving means configured to receive a print request transmitted by the client with a protocol through a port of the image forming device, a protocol specifying means configured to specify a kind of the protocol used in the transmission of the print request, a destination information creating means configured to create destination information representing a destination to which the print data are to be sent, based on the protocol of the kind specified by the protocol specifying means, and a destination information sending means configured to send the destination information to the client with the protocol of the specified kind.