MFP Authentication Handoff Between NFC and Wi-Fi Direct
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices struggle to efficiently execute functions with mobile terminals using different communication interfaces, such as NFC and Wi-Fi Direct, without proper authentication and network compatibility checks.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction peripheral (MFP) and mobile terminals are configured to use both NFC and Wi-Fi Direct interfaces, with a Secure Function Lock (SFL) mechanism to authenticate and authorize user functions, allowing selective communication via these interfaces and ensuring network compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication device uses NFC interface for communication with mobile terminal, then authentication and network compatibility can be verified, but communication speed and data transmission efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication process is divided into two stages: first using NFC interface for authentication and network compatibility verification, then switching to Wi-Fi Direct interface for actual data communication. This segmentation allows each interface to perform its specialized function optimally without compromising overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
NFC acts as an intermediary mechanism that establishes trust and network compatibility between devices before the main data transmission occurs via Wi-Fi Direct. The NFC interface serves as a gateway for authentication, while Wi-Fi Direct handles the bulk data communication.
2Speed
If the communication device establishes connection with mobile terminal via Wi-Fi Direct, then communication speed and data transmission efficiency are improved, but authentication reliability and network compatibility verification are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authentication and network compatibility verification through NFC interface before establishing the actual data communication connection. This preliminary action ensures security and compatibility are established in advance, allowing the subsequent Wi-Fi Direct connection to proceed at high speed without compromising reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the function execution device allows communication via multiple interfaces, then adaptability and communication flexibility are improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is designed to support multiple interfaces (NFC and Wi-Fi Direct) with distinct functional assignments: NFC handles authentication and network compatibility verification, while Wi-Fi Direct handles data communication. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to adapt to different communication needs while maintaining clear functional separation that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which interface to use based on the operational requirements. For authentication operations, NFC is activated; for data transmission, Wi-Fi Direct is activated. This dynamic interface selection allows the system to maintain flexibility and adaptability while avoiding the complexity of simultaneously managing all interfaces for all purposes.
4Productivity
If authentication information is transmitted via Wi-Fi Direct, then communication efficiency is improved, but security risks and authentication reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
NFC interface serves as a secure intermediary for authentication information exchange before Wi-Fi Direct is activated for data communication. This ensures that authentication occurs over a trusted channel, and only after successful verification does the system proceed to high-speed data transmission via Wi-Fi Direct.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing an authentication state of a function execution device to a communication terminal is described. In some examples, the authentication state indicates whether authentication information is needed from the communication terminal before the communication terminal can request performance of one or more functions performable by the function execution device. In other examples, the communication terminal may provide to the communication terminal the authentication information irrespective of whether the function execution terminal has previously provided its authentication state to the communication terminal.