Automatic Network Configuration via LPWA Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems require user intervention for network settings when an image forming apparatus is moved to a new network, often due to disconnection from the Internet or firewall security measures, leading to inefficiencies in setting updates.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that uses a low power wide area (LPWA) communication module to transmit and receive network identification information, allowing automatic registration of new network settings from a management server via a wireless communication line, enabling seamless connection and configuration changes without user operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic network setting registration is implemented, then user operation is reduced and efficiency is improved, but security risks from firewall disconnection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management server as an intermediary between the image forming apparatus and the network environment. The management server stores network setting information and securely transmits it to the apparatus, acting as a trusted mediator that enables automatic setting updates while maintaining security through controlled information delivery rather than direct network exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing network setting information in advance in the management server. When the apparatus needs network configuration, the settings are already prepared and can be automatically retrieved and applied, eliminating the need for real-time user intervention and ensuring security through pre-validated configurations
2Reliability
If manual network setting is required when network changes, then security control is maintained, but user operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus performs self-service by automatically detecting network changes, retrieving setting information from the management server, and applying the configurations without user intervention. The apparatus serves itself in the network configuration process, eliminating manual operations while maintaining security through the managed server architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the apparatus monitors its own network connection status, detects when the network changes, and automatically triggers the setting update process. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to respond autonomously to network changes without requiring user awareness or action
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a registering unit. The transmitter is configured to, when a network to which the information processing apparatus is connected is changed, transmit identification information of a newly connected network to a management apparatus via a wireless communication line. The receiver is configured to receive setting information corresponding to the transmitted identification information from the management apparatus via the wireless communication line. The registering unit is configured to register the setting information received by the receiver as setting information of the information processing apparatus.