Printer Controller Wireless Device Registration and Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face security risks due to the ability to connect with unspecified external devices via wireless communication, making it difficult to ensure the safety of operation terminals requesting connections.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus that registers device information of specific external devices, determines if newly connected devices are registered, and only allows connections from verified devices by prompting registered devices for permission to release a suspension state, ensuring secure wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the printing apparatus allows connection to any external device via wireless communication, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary registration of trusted external devices before allowing print operations. Device information (device ID, device name) is stored in advance in the storage unit, creating a whitelist of authorized devices. When a connection request is received, the controller checks whether the requesting device is in the registered list before permitting printing, thus preventing unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation for trusted devices.
2Reliability
If the printing apparatus restricts connection to registered devices only, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages device registration and authentication without requiring manual security configuration by the user. The controller automatically checks device information against the registered list, automatically suspends or permits connections based on registration status, and manages the whitelist without user intervention. This self-service approach maintains security while simplifying user operation.
3Productivity
If the printing apparatus accepts print data from unregistered devices, then productivity is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary registration of trusted devices before allowing print operations. Device information (device ID, device name) is stored in advance in the storage unit, creating a whitelist of authorized devices. When a connection request is received, the controller checks whether the requesting device is in the registered list before permitting printing, thus preventing unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation for trusted devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the external device regarding connection status. When an unregistered device attempts to connect, the controller transmits a suspension notification indicating that printing is suspended due to the device not being in the registered list. This feedback mechanism clearly communicates security decisions to users while maintaining rapid processing for authorized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes: a transporter; a print device; a communication interface performing a wireless communication with a plurality of external devices; a storage; and a controller performing: registering device information of specific external device in the storage; determining whether the device information of one external device newly connected to the printing apparatus is registered in the storage; when it is determined that the device information is not registered, making connection to the one external device a suspension state; prompting the external device registered in the storage to confirm whether to release the suspension state of the one external device; receiving a notification from the external device registered; and in a case the received notification indicates releasing permission of the suspension state, releasing the suspension state in the one external device.