Mobile Terminal Background Login via NFC and Wireless LAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience when trying to log into an image forming apparatus using a mobile terminal, as they need to unlock the screen and bring it close to the apparatus, even when the mobile application is operating in a background state.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows transmitting a login request to the image forming apparatus via short-range wireless communication, enabling login even when the mobile application is in a background state, by acquiring connection information from a near field communication (NFC) tag and establishing a wireless LAN connection without requiring the user to unlock the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile terminal requires the user to unlock the screen and bring it close to the image forming apparatus to transmit login instructions, then the authentication process can be secured, but the ease of operation deteriorates and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal reads connection information from the NFC tag in advance and establishes a wireless LAN connection before the user needs to log in. The authentication process is prepared and configured beforehand, so when the user simply brings the terminal close to the apparatus, the login can be transmitted automatically without requiring screen unlocking or manual connection setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC tag serves as an intermediary that stores connection information (IP address, subnet mask, gateway, DNS) between the mobile terminal and the image forming apparatus. This intermediary enables the terminal to automatically obtain and use connection details without requiring the user to manually input network information or unlock the screen, thus improving convenience while maintaining security through automated authentication.
2Reliability
If the mobile application operates in a background state, then the terminal can remain locked and secure, but the ability to transmit login instructions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the wireless LAN connection and reading connection information from the NFC tag before the user needs to log in. Even when the application is in the background state and the terminal is locked, the connection information is already available in the terminal's memory, enabling the login transmission to occur automatically when the terminal approaches the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile terminal autonomously handles the login process by automatically reading connection information from the NFC tag, establishing the wireless LAN connection, and transmitting authentication instructions without requiring user intervention. The terminal serves itself by performing these operations in the background state, maintaining both security and functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless login to the image forming apparatus without the need for unlocking the mobile terminal, simplifying the process and reducing user inconvenience.
Implementation Method 1
In an image forming apparatus including a near field communication (NFC) tag, information for identifying the image forming apparatus, such as connection information (an internet protocol (IP) address or a media access control (MAC) address) of the image forming apparatus, is stored in the NFC tag.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus transmits a login request for logging into an external device to the external device, based on a short-range wireless communication being established between the information processing apparatus and the external device in a state where an application is operating in a background state on the information processing apparatus.