Wi-Fi Direct Soft AP for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in securely and easily connecting to networks via peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, particularly with the limitations of ad-hoc Wi-Fi modes, which compromise security and transmission speed, necessitating a more reliable method for P2P connections.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Wi-Fi Direct technology that allows image forming apparatuses to operate as software access points, enabling them to connect directly with external wireless devices and infrastructure networks, displaying an embedded web page for user input of access information and establishing secure connections using WPA2 encryption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ad-hoc Wi-Fi mode is used for P2P communication, then connection flexibility is improved, but security and transmission speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Wi-Fi Direct as an intermediary technology that enables P2P communication without requiring traditional ad-hoc mode. Wi-Fi Direct acts as a mediator that provides the connection flexibility of ad-hoc mode while incorporating the security and performance benefits of infrastructure mode, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection flexibility and security/transmission speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of Wi-Fi communication by transitioning from ad-hoc mode to Wi-Fi Direct mode. This parameter change enables the system to maintain P2P connectivity while achieving higher transmission speeds (up to 250 Mbps) and enhanced security through WPA2 encryption, thus resolving the technical contradiction
2Reliability
If Wi-Fi Direct is implemented for P2P communication, then security and transmission speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the image forming apparatus automatically performs network discovery, authentication, and connection establishment through Wi-Fi Direct. The device autonomously handles the complex setup process, including generating embedded web pages for configuration and automatically establishing secure connections, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining high security and transmission speed
3Ease of operation
If embedded web page is displayed for network configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time occurs during connection setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the image forming apparatus with Wi-Fi Direct capabilities and embedded web page templates before actual connection is needed. The device automatically generates and displays configuration interfaces in advance, allowing users to input network credentials through a user-friendly web interface, thereby balancing ease of operation with minimized connection establishment time
Data Source
AI summary
A method of connecting an image forming apparatus to a network via Wi-Fi Direct, including: executing a Wi-Fi Direct function of the image forming apparatus so that the image forming apparatus operates as a soft access point (AP); displaying, when the image forming apparatus is connected to an external wireless device via the Wi-Fi Direct function, an embedded web page provided by the image forming apparatus on the connected wireless device; receiving access information of an infra network, to which the image forming apparatus is to be wirelessly connected, from the wireless device, wherein the access information is input via the displayed embedded web page; and establishing a wireless network connection between the image forming apparatus and the infrastructure network based on the access information received from the wireless device.