Image-Forming Apparatus Wireless Sharing for Easier Network Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network configuration methods for image-forming apparatuses, such as printers and copiers, become complicated when multiple devices need to be connected to a local area network, requiring individual connections to a computer device for network information.
Innovation Solution
The method allows image-forming apparatuses to establish wireless connections with each other, transferring network connection information directly, simplifying the configuration process by eliminating the need for individual connections to a computer device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each image-forming apparatus connects to a computer device individually to obtain network connection information, then the network configuration can be completed, but the configuration operation becomes complicated when multiple apparatuses need to be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a wireless communication module as an intermediary device to transfer network connection information between image-forming apparatuses. Instead of each apparatus connecting individually to a computer, the wireless communication module acts as a mediator that receives information from one apparatus and distributes it to others, simplifying the configuration process while ensuring reliable network connection setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where network connection information (such as Wi-Fi credentials) is copied from one image-forming apparatus to multiple other apparatuses through wireless communication. This allows the configuration data to be replicated and distributed automatically, eliminating the need for repeated manual configuration on each device
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image-forming apparatuses are configured to connect to the local area network, then network coverage is improved, but the configuration process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables image-forming apparatuses to perform self-service configuration by automatically obtaining and sharing network connection information through wireless communication. The apparatuses can autonomously configure themselves by receiving network credentials from peers or the wireless communication module, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration and enabling scalable network coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple configuration operations into a single unified process. Instead of requiring separate configuration steps for each apparatus, the system merges the configuration process by allowing apparatuses to share and automatically apply network connection information from a single source, reducing overall complexity while maintaining network coverage
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for network configuration includes establishing wireless connection with n second image-forming apparatuses, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1; updating a connection state information table pre-stored according to the wireless connection established with the n second image-forming apparatuses; based on the updated connection state information table, determining m image-forming apparatuses to-be-connected-to-network, where m is an integer greater than or equal to 0; and sending network connection information for connecting a local area network to the m image-forming apparatuses to-be-connected-to-network, such that the m image-forming apparatuses to-be-connected-to-network are connected to the local area network according to the network connection information. The solutions in embodiments of the present disclosure simplify network connection configuration operations of the image-forming apparatuses.