Secure Network Setup via QR Code and Direct Wireless Handshake
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for initial network installation of communication devices, such as printers, require significant time and effort and pose a security risk due to the potential leakage of network information when QR codes containing this information are printed and handled.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising a first apparatus with an image forming unit and a wireless communication unit, and a second apparatus with a reading unit, allowing for direct wireless communication to transmit and acquire network information securely, reducing the need for manual input and minimizing information leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network information is printed on a QR code sheet for initial installation, then the time and effort of installation work is reduced, but the risk of network information leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary wireless communication connection information (SSID, password) from the complete network information, printing only this minimal set on the QR code. This reduces the information leakage risk while maintaining installation efficiency, as the printed sheet contains only what is needed for connection without exposing additional sensitive network details.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication unit as an intermediary that automatically transmits complete network information to communication apparatuses via wireless communication. This mediator handles the sensitive information transmission securely without requiring physical handling of printed sheets containing full network credentials, thus reducing leakage risk while maintaining productivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual network settings are configured in each communication apparatus, then network information security is maintained, but the time and effort of installation work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables communication apparatuses to automatically acquire and configure network information themselves through wireless communication. The apparatuses self-configure by receiving network credentials from the wireless communication unit, eliminating the need for manual configuration by service personnel. This self-service approach reduces installation time while maintaining security, as automatic configuration minimizes human handling of sensitive information.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication unit acts as an intermediary that automatically distributes network information to multiple communication apparatuses via wireless transmission. This automated intermediary system replaces manual configuration processes, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining security through controlled wireless transmission protocols that prevent information leakage.
3Ease of operation
If complete network information is printed on a QR code, then communication apparatuses can easily connect to the network, but the printed sheet becomes more valuable if lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and prints only the essential wireless connection parameters (SSID and password) on the QR code sheet, omitting other sensitive network information. This minimal information approach maintains ease of operation for establishing wireless connections while significantly reducing the security risk and value of the printed sheet if lost or stolen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different information disclosure policies to different contexts: the QR code sheet contains only local, minimal connection information needed for wireless access, while complete network information is reserved for secure wireless transmission to authenticated devices. This local quality approach ensures ease of operation for connection while maintaining security reliability by limiting the sensitivity of the printed material.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system including a first communication apparatus having an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet and a first wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication, and a second communication apparatus having a second wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication and a reading unit for reading an image. The first communication apparatus registers first network information and prints a QR code based on second network information. The second communication apparatus reads the QR code-printed sheet to acquire the second network information, requests the first communication apparatus to establish direct wireless communication based on the second network information, acquires the first network information from the first communication apparatus using the direct wireless communication, and connects to a router based on the first network information to start wireless LAN communication.