Image-Forming Apparatus Network Configuration via Wireless Peer Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network configuration methods for image-forming apparatuses, such as printers and copiers, become complicated when multiple devices need to be connected to a local area network, requiring individual connections to a computer device for network information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable wireless connections among image-forming apparatuses to share network connection information, using communication modules to establish connections and update connection state information tables, allowing multiple devices to connect to a network without individual computer interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each image-forming apparatus connects to a computer device individually to obtain network connection information, then the network configuration is reliable and secure, but the configuration process becomes complicated and time-consuming when multiple devices need to be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless connection mechanism where already-configured image-forming apparatuses act as intermediaries to transfer network connection information to new devices. Instead of each device connecting individually to a computer, they can peer-to-peer connect wirelessly, with the system automatically managing the information transfer process through connection state tracking and automatic determination of which devices need configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-configuration by having image-forming apparatuses automatically establish wireless connections, update their connection state information tables, and autonomously determine which devices need network configuration. The apparatuses serve themselves by transferring network information without requiring manual intervention or individual computer connections for each device.
2Loss of time
If network connection information is shared among multiple image-forming apparatuses, then the configuration time is reduced, but the security control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through connection state information tables that track which apparatuses are connected and their configuration status. The system continuously monitors wireless connections and uses this feedback to automatically determine which devices need network configuration information, ensuring that information is shared only with appropriate devices while maintaining security control through systematic tracking and verification.
Data Source
AI summary
A network configuration method includes establishing wireless connection with n second image-forming apparatuses, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1; updating a connection state information table pre-stored according to the wireless connection established with the n second image-forming apparatuses; based on the updated connection state information table, determining m image-forming apparatuses to-be-connected-to-network, where m is an integer greater than or equal to 0; and sending network connection information for connecting a local area network to the m image-forming apparatuses to-be-connected-to-network, such that the m image-forming apparatuses to-be-connected-to-network are connected to the local area network according to the network connection information. The solutions in embodiments of the present disclosure simplify network connection configuration operations of the image-forming apparatuses.