Image Processing Apparatus with Dual-Line Virus Update Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing apparatuses face challenges in performing virus checks with the latest virus definition information when primary communication lines are unavailable due to network failures, leading to potential virus spread and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs dual communication circuits - a primary line for high-capacity data transfer and a secondary dedicated line for confidentiality - allowing the system to switch to the secondary line for virus definition updates when the primary line is down, ensuring virus checks are performed with the latest information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image processing apparatus uses only a primary communication line for virus definition updates, then the system structure is simple, but the system becomes vulnerable to network failures and cannot perform virus checks when the primary line is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into multiple independent communication lines (primary line for high-capacity data transfer and secondary dedicated line for confidentiality and backup). Each line can independently acquire virus definition information, ensuring that failure of one line does not compromise virus check capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares backup communication pathways by establishing a secondary dedicated line before primary line failures occur. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when the primary line fails, the secondary line can immediately take over without interrupting virus check operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the apparatus disconnects from the network when virus infection is detected, then virus spread is prevented, but the apparatus cannot update virus definition information during disconnection period
Solution Approach 1:
The communication function is segmented into primary and secondary lines with distinct roles. The secondary dedicated line is specifically designated for maintaining virus definition update capability even when the primary line is disconnected due to virus infection, allowing the apparatus to remain protected against new viruses while isolated from the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary dedicated line acts as an intermediary communication channel that maintains virus definition information updates independent of the primary network connection status. This intermediary pathway ensures continuous security updates even when the main network is compromised or disconnected.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the apparatus uses a dedicated line for service communication, then confidentiality is improved, but the line may be less reliable for high-speed data transfer compared to primary network line
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented to assign different functions to different lines: the primary line handles high-speed job data transfer while the secondary dedicated line handles confidential service communication and virus definition updates. Each line is optimized for its specific purpose, accepting that speed requirements differ by function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different communication lines are assigned different quality characteristics according to local requirements. The secondary dedicated line provides enhanced confidentiality quality suitable for service data and virus definitions, while the primary line provides high-speed transfer quality for job data, matching each line's properties to its specific operational needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: a primary communication circuit for communication with an external device via a primary line; a secondary communication circuit for communication with a specific device via a secondary line; a transmission/reception processor communicating with the external device via the primary line or the specific device via the secondary line to acquire virus definition information from the external device or the specific device; a virus checker performing a virus check using the acquired virus definition information; and a line selector selecting communication using the primary communication circuit or communication using the secondary communication circuit. In a state where the communication via the primary line can no longer be established, the line selector selects the secondary line. In the case where the updated virus definition information is acquired via the secondary line, the virus checker performs the virus check by using such virus definition information.