Printer Certificate Expiry Switching for HTTP/HTTPS Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices require cumbersome and complicated procedures for updating electronic certificates, particularly for users unfamiliar with the process.
Innovation Solution
A communication device that can switch between HTTP and HTTPS communications based on the expiration date of the electronic certificate, allowing secure HTTPS communication when valid and falling back to HTTP for updating when the certificate expires, thereby simplifying the update process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device requires users to manually update electronic certificates through displayed procedures, then certificate security is maintained, but user operation complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device automatically detects certificate expiration status and switches communication protocols without user intervention. The control unit monitors the electronic certificate validity and autonomously manages the protocol transition from second communication to first communication, eliminating the need for users to manually follow update procedures while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adjusts its communication protocol based on real-time certificate status. When the certificate is expired, the system automatically switches from requiring second communication (HTTPS) to accepting first communication (HTTP), enabling seamless adaptation to security conditions without fixed operational constraints.
2Ease of operation
If the device automatically switches to first communication when certificate expires, then ease of operation improves, but security level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol is dynamically selected based on certificate validity status. The control unit automatically switches between second communication (when certificate is valid) and first communication (when certificate is expired), ensuring the highest possible security level is maintained under current conditions while enabling automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors certificate expiration status and uses this feedback to determine appropriate communication protocol. The control unit receives status information about the electronic certificate and automatically adjusts communication mode accordingly, creating a closed-loop security management system that adapts to changing conditions.
Data Source
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Figure 6
AI summary
A printer 4 includes: a storage unit 36 that stores a current certificate to be used in HTTPS communication; a date and time management unit 38 that manage an expiration date of a certificate; a wired communication unit 32 that communicate with the PC 2 in HTTP communication or HTTPS communication; and a control unit 30 that controls operation of the printer 4. In a state where communication with the PC 2 in HTTPS communication is set, the control unit 30 causes the PC 2 and the wired communication unit 32 to communicate with each other in HTTPS communication if the current certificate is within the expiration date, whereas the control unit 30 causes the PC 2 and the wired communication unit 32 to communicate with each other in communication other than HTTPS communication if the current certificate is out of the expiration date.