Image Forming Apparatus P2P Device Type Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses supporting peer-to-peer (P2P) connections lack effective methods for controlling and managing connections with external wireless devices, particularly in terms of user authentication, connection restrictions, and security, which are essential for safe and convenient usage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving a P2P connection request from an external wireless device, checking its device type against a connection restricted device type database, and either blocking or allowing the connection based on the type, with the apparatus functioning as either an access point or a client on a wireless local area network, and allowing users to modify the database settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If P2P connection is allowed without device type checking, then connection convenience is improved, but security and resource management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking device types before allowing P2P connections. The image forming apparatus queries the device type of incoming wireless devices and pre-determines whether to allow or block connections based on stored device type information, preventing unauthorized devices from connecting before they can cause security issues or resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a device type checking mechanism as a mediator between the connection request and the actual connection establishment. This intermediary layer (device type verification system) filters and controls which devices can establish P2P connections, balancing security requirements with connection convenience.
2Reliability
If device type checking is implemented, then security and resource management are improved, but connection speed and simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device type checking is performed as a preliminary action before connection establishment, allowing the system to pre-filter unauthorized devices. By querying and determining device types in advance, the system avoids time-consuming security checks during the actual connection process and can quickly block unauthorized devices without delaying authorized connections.
3Loss of energy
If connection restricted device types are blocked, then resource consumption is reduced, but connection versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing selective device type restrictions rather than blanket blocking. The system allows P2P connections for authorized device types (such as smartphones, tablets, laptops) while blocking unauthorized types (such as gaming consoles, audio devices), thereby conserving resources for legitimate uses while maintaining versatility for supported device categories.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection of an image forming apparatus that supports the P2P connection includes: receiving in the image forming apparatus a P2P connection request from an external wireless device; checking a device type of the wireless device by the image forming apparatus; determining whether the device type corresponds to connection restricted device types; and when the device type is the connection restricted device type, blocking a P2P connection to the wireless device by the image forming apparatus, and when the device type is not the connection restricted device type, P2P connecting the image forming apparatus to the wireless device.