Information Processing Apparatus Password Copy Function

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection methods for information processing apparatuses to communication apparatuses, such as smartphones to network printers, often result in user errors due to the complexity of inputting connection information like passwords.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a control method and apparatus that utilizes a password copy function, allowing users to easily acquire and input connection information, thereby reducing errors and improving convenience in connection setting processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual password input is required for connection setting, then connection security is maintained, but user error rate increases and convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of connection settingVSAvoidaccuracy of password input

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by enabling the information processing apparatus to automatically acquire connection information (including passwords) from a connected communication apparatus through data copying. Instead of manual typing, the system copies the required connection data directly from the communication apparatus's storage, eliminating user input errors while maintaining security through automated transmission of accurate credentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If connection information is stored in the information processing apparatus, then connection speed is improved, but information security risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection setup speedVSAvoidsecurity risk of stored information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the communication apparatus as a mediator in the connection information transfer process. Rather than storing sensitive connection data locally in the information processing apparatus (which creates security risks), the system maintains information in the communication apparatus and retrieves it through controlled data transmission, thus speeding up connection while preserving security through the intermediary storage location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If complex password input is required, then connection security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates and input errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidease of password input

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the information processing apparatus to automatically acquire and input connection information without user intervention. The system autonomously retrieves passwords and connection credentials from the communication apparatus, eliminating the need for users to manually input complex passwords, thereby maintaining security requirements while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4525369A1Information processing apparatus, control method, program, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2025.03.19 CANON KK

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus (101) including a predetermined application program, displays, by the predetermined application program, a predetermined screen for prompting a user to execute a predetermined function that is a function of saving, in a clipboard, a predetermined password that is a password managed by another application program different from the predetermined application program and is a password of an access point outside the information processing apparatus (101); and transmits, by the predetermined application program, to a communication apparatus (151) outside the information processing apparatus (101), setting information, including the predetermined password, for connection to the access point, after the predetermined screen is displayed.