Image Forming Apparatus Secure Printing via Wi-Fi Direct Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of non-managed portable terminals into internal networks for printing image data poses a security risk to the internal network, as these devices are not typically permitted access and may compromise the network's security, even if the connection is temporary.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with short-range wireless communication devices for NFC and Wi-Fi direct connections, along with a control device that authenticates devices and sets up connections either through the internal network or Wi-Fi direct, depending on the device's authentication status, allowing secure communication without compromising the internal network's security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-managed portable terminals are allowed to access the internal network for printing, then ease of operation is improved, but network security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path into two distinct routes: authenticated devices communicate through the internal network, while unauthenticated portable terminals communicate directly via Wi-Fi Direct. This segmentation allows the system to maintain network security by preventing unauthenticated devices from accessing the internal network, while still enabling printing functionality through the alternative direct communication path.
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming apparatus acts as an intermediary that receives print jobs from portable terminals via Wi-Fi Direct and then transmits them to the printing system through the internal network. This intermediary role allows unauthenticated portable terminals to print without directly accessing or compromising the internal network, as all communication with the internal network originates from the authenticated image forming apparatus.
2Productivity
If unauthenticated portable terminals connect directly to the internal network, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication architecture is segmented into authenticated paths (through internal network) and unauthenticated paths (via Wi-Fi Direct). This allows unauthenticated portable terminals to maintain high productivity by printing directly without network authentication delays, while the segmentation ensures reliability by preventing these terminals from accessing or compromising the internal network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects the communication path based on authentication status. Authenticated devices use the internal network path for high-speed communication, while unauthenticated portable terminals automatically switch to the Wi-Fi Direct path. This dynamic adaptation maintains productivity for all devices while preserving network security and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a short-range wireless communication device to communicate with a portable terminal via short-range wireless communication, a first wireless communication device to communicate with the portable terminal via a direct wireless connection, a second wireless communication device to communicate via a network connected to the image forming apparatus, and a control device. The control device includes an authentication unit that determines whether o a device within short-range wireless communication range has been authenticated. The control device sets up a connection for data communication via the network when the portable terminal has been authenticated and set up the direct wireless connection for data communication when the portable terminal has not been authenticated.