Image Forming Apparatus Gateway Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to enable a server on the Internet to access an image forming apparatus in a LAN when the relay device does not function.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus is configured to switch between a normal mode and an abnormal mode, allowing it to function as a gateway or not, depending on communication conditions with the relay device, establishing a second session with the server when the relay device is non-functional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a relay device is used to establish communication between the server and the image forming apparatus, then access from the server to the image forming apparatus is enabled, but the system becomes dependent on the relay device and cannot access when it fails
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus dynamically switches between two communication modes: first mode (through relay device) and second mode (direct connection). The controller selects the appropriate mode based on whether the relay device is accessible, making the system adaptive to changing network conditions and relay device status
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming apparatus itself acts as an intermediary by having built-in gateway functionality. When the external relay device is unavailable, the image forming apparatus can directly establish communication with the server, effectively becoming its own mediator and eliminating the single point of failure
2Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus always functions as a gateway, then direct access from the server is enabled, but security protection through the relay device is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway function is dynamically activated or deactivated based on communication conditions. The image forming apparatus functions as a gateway only when necessary (when relay device is unavailable), otherwise it maintains normal operation through the relay device, balancing accessibility and security
Solution Approach 2:
The communication mode parameter is changed between first mode (through relay device with security protection) and second mode (direct access when relay device fails). This parameter change allows the system to adapt security and accessibility levels based on operational conditions
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus for use in a network to establish a first session with a server external to the network in order to allow access from the server and connected to a relay device provided in the network is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a selector configured to change a communication mode of the image forming apparatus to any one of a first mode to function as a gateway and a second mode not to function as the gateway according to communication conditions with the relay device; and a communication device configured to establish, when the communication mode is changed from the second mode to the first mode, a second session with the server; wherein the selector establishes the second session when it is impossible to perform communication with the relay device.