Image Forming Port Control for Unused Open Port Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses leave communication ports open when not in use, posing a risk of unauthorized access by malicious users.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a communicator and controller that determines the use history and state of each communication port, reporting and closing unused ports to prevent unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If communication ports are left open when not in use, then availability for communication is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of communication portVSAvoidunauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication port dynamically changes its state between open and closed based on usage status. The controller automatically closes the communication port when it detects that the port is not in use, and opens it when needed. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the port available when required while protecting it when idle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller monitors the usage status of the communication port and uses this feedback to determine whether to keep the port open or closed. By continuously checking if the port is being used and adjusting its state accordingly, the system ensures both availability when needed and security when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If communication ports are closed when not in use, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but availability for communication deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized accessVSAvoidavailability of communication port

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication port is not statically closed but dynamically adjusted based on real-time usage detection. When the controller detects that a communication port is not being used, it closes the port to prevent unauthorized access. When usage is detected or needed, the port is opened. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between security and availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically monitors and manages the state of communication ports without requiring manual intervention. The controller itself detects usage status and makes decisions about opening or closing ports, enabling the system to self-regulate between security and availability based on actual conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260039755A1Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 SHARP KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a communicator having a plurality of communication ports, and at least one controller that executes a process of determining whether or not each of the communication ports is a target communication port that is open and not in use from an open/closed state and a use history of each communication port included in the plurality of communication ports, and reporting target communication port information indicating the target communication port.