Image Forming Virus Pattern Updates Across Offline Network Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses in environments without external network connectivity, such as the Internet, cannot update their virus detection pattern files, leaving them vulnerable to infection from viruses transmitted via internal networks.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes hardware processors capable of acquiring pattern files from either external or internal networks based on network availability, ensuring pattern file updates occur regardless of connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image forming apparatus downloads pattern files only from external networks, then the pattern files can be updated to the latest version, but the apparatus cannot update pattern files in environments without external network connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an internal network as an intermediary source for pattern file updates. When external network connectivity is unavailable, the apparatus can still update pattern files by receiving them from other devices on the internal network, thus maintaining virus detection reliability without requiring direct external network access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic acquisition source selection based on network availability. The hardware processor automatically switches between external network and internal network sources depending on the current network environment, enabling the apparatus to adaptively maintain updated pattern files regardless of external connectivity status.
2Reliability
If the image forming apparatus relies on external network connectivity for pattern file updates, then the latest virus patterns can be obtained, but the apparatus becomes vulnerable to internal network-borne viruses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing virus detection processing before the apparatus processes data from the internal network. The hardware processor detects viruses in received data using pattern files, preventing virus infection before it can spread within the internal network environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the internal network as both a potential threat vector and a solution intermediary. By enabling pattern file updates through the internal network when external connectivity is unavailable, the system maintains security capability while reducing reliance on external network connections that could introduce vulnerabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the image forming apparatus switches acquisition processes based on network environment, then pattern file updates can occur in any network condition, but the control logic becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic detection and selection of the appropriate acquisition process. The hardware processor autonomously determines whether to use external or internal network acquisition based on network availability, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex user intervention despite the dual-process architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus for executing virus detection processing on received data includes a hardware processor. The hardware processor is capable of executing either first acquisition process for downloading and acquiring a pattern file used in the virus detection processing from an external network or second acquisition process for downloading and acquiring the pattern file used in the virus detection processing from an internal network or a connected storage device. The hardware processor switches between the first acquisition process and the second acquisition process in accordance with a usage environment of the external network.