Image Forming Apparatus Keyless Network Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience and low user experience when establishing a wireless network connection between an image forming apparatus and a wireless network device, as they need to manually input connection details like SSID and encryption keys, which is not user-friendly for those unfamiliar with these operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves sending a first SSID without an encryption key for keyless communication, acquiring wireless network information, and then switching to a second SSID with an encryption key for secure communication, while disconnecting the keyless connection, and includes timing and authorization checks to ensure secure and convenient setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection configuration is used (entering SSID and encryption key), then communication security is ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection configuration process into two distinct phases: a keyless configuration phase for ease of setup, and a secure communication phase for safety. The system first establishes a keyless connection to exchange configuration information, then transitions to a secured connection mode, separating the concerns of ease-of-use and security into different operational stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a keyless communication channel as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the exchange of network configuration information (SSID and encryption key) between the image forming apparatus and the terminal device. This intermediary channel enables secure configuration data transfer without requiring the end user to manually input sensitive information, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining security.
2Ease of operation
If keyless communication connection is used, then ease of operation improves, but communication security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a keyless communication connection first, before secure communication is needed. This initial keyless phase is used solely for exchanging configuration information (SSID and encryption key), after which the system transitions to a secured connection mode. The preliminary keyless action enables subsequent secure communication without exposing the system to long-term security risks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both keyless and key communication connections are supported, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection management where the system automatically transitions between keyless and secured connection modes based on operational requirements. The connection type is not fixed but changes dynamically: keyless mode is used temporarily for configuration, then the system switches to secured mode for actual communication. This dynamic approach provides adaptability while managing complexity through automated mode switching rather than manual configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a network connection configuration method, a network connection configuration apparatus, an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus sending out a first SSID without a corresponding encryption key, such that an electronic device which receives the first SSID is capable of establishing a keyless communication connection with the image forming apparatus based on the first SSID; executing a preset operation which includes acquiring wireless network information sent by the electronic device which establishes the keyless communication connection with the image forming apparatus, and establishing a communication connection with a corresponding wireless network device based on the wireless network information; and sending out a second SSID with a corresponding encryption key, such that the electronic device which receives the second SSID is capable of establishing a key communication connection with the image forming apparatus based on the second SSID and the corresponding encryption key. Through the above methods, ensure that the image forming apparatus and a wireless network device establish a communication connection quickly and conveniently, and further ensure communication security between the image forming device and the electronic device.