NFC Wireless Configuration for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with NFC functions face difficulties in configuring wireless connections due to complex user interfaces, making it hard for users to establish connections with access points without navigating intricate menus.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize NFC to receive wireless configuration and IP address information from a mobile device, perform user authentication, and establish a connection with an access point, simplifying the process by eliminating the need for complex user interface interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touchscreen user interface is used in the image forming apparatus, then the user interface becomes more modern, but the menu navigation remains difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary to configure wireless connections for the image forming apparatus. The mobile device's user interface handles the complex configuration tasks, while the image forming apparatus simply receives the configured settings via NFC communication. This mediator approach transfers the complexity from the image forming apparatus interface to the mobile device interface, resolving the contradiction between modernization and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If wireless connection configuration is performed through the image forming apparatus user interface, then the connection can be established, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the user configure wireless connection settings on the mobile device before the actual connection is needed. The mobile device stores the Wi-Fi credentials and connection parameters in advance, so when the image forming apparatus needs to connect, the settings are already prepared and can be quickly transferred via NFC tagging, significantly reducing configuration time while ensuring reliable connection establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by transferring the wireless configuration data from the mobile device to the image forming apparatus through NFC communication. Instead of manually entering settings or navigating complex menus on the image forming apparatus, the configuration data is copied from the mobile device where it was previously configured, making the process both faster and more reliable.
3Ease of operation
If NFC function is used for wireless configuration, then the configuration process is simplified, but user authentication security must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication where the mobile device automatically performs user authentication with the image forming apparatus through NFC communication. The authentication credentials are stored on the mobile device and automatically presented during the NFC interaction, eliminating the need for manual authentication input while maintaining security. This self-service approach keeps the process simple for the user while ensuring proper authentication occurs.
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 convenient and secure configuration of wireless connections between image forming apparatuses and access points, enhancing user experience and reducing the complexity of navigating device interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
Near field communication (NFC) is a contactless short-range wireless communication protocol that allows electronic devices to communicate wirelessly within a short distance of around 10 cm or less with low power consumption by using a frequency of 13.56 MHz
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring a wireless connection of an image forming apparatus via near field communication (NFC) is provided. The method includes receiving, by the image forming apparatus, wireless configuration information and Internet protocol (IP) address configuration information from a mobile device when the mobile device is tagged by the image forming apparatus, performing, user authentication of the mobile device with respect to the image forming apparatus, establishing communication between the image forming apparatus and an access point (AP) based on the wireless configuration information, and assigning an IP address to the image forming apparatus based on the IP address configuration information.