Cloud-Mediated Data Transfer Between Portable Terminals and MFPs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print services using portable terminals and cloud servers face communication challenges, particularly when users need to switch communication methods to receive image data from multifunctional apparatuses, and there are security concerns with connecting to networks via different communication methods.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus and communication system that allows for generating and transmitting electronic data using one communication network while storing and retrieving it via another, using short-range wireless communication to manage storage destination information and avoid method switching, ensuring secure data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the portable terminal uses circuit-switched communication method (3G/LTE) for initial connection, then communication reliability is improved, but the user needs to switch to another communication method (Wi-Fi/WLAN) to receive image data from the multifunctional apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud server as an intermediary between the portable terminal and the multifunctional apparatus. The terminal sends print requests via reliable circuit-switched communication to the cloud server, which then coordinates with the multifunctional apparatus. This mediator eliminates the need for the terminal to directly connect to the apparatus via different communication methods, maintaining both reliability and operational simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the portable terminal connects to the multifunctional apparatus via another communication method (Wi-Fi/WLAN), then data transfer capability is improved, but security risks increase due to network connection concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud server acts as a secure intermediary that mediates all data transfers between the terminal and multifunctional apparatus. Instead of the terminal directly connecting to the apparatus via potentially insecure Wi-Fi networks, all communications are routed through the secured cloud server infrastructure, maintaining data transfer capability while mitigating security risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses cloud-based copying of data and print jobs. The terminal uploads document data to the cloud server, which then manages the distribution to the multifunctional apparatus. This copying approach through a controlled intermediary eliminates the need for direct peer-to-peer connections, reducing security exposure while maintaining full data transfer functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the user switches communication methods to receive image data, then data acquisition capability is improved, but time consumption increases due to method switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud server as an intermediary automatically manages communication protocols and data transfer without requiring user intervention for method switching. The terminal maintains its circuit-switched connection while the cloud server handles the coordination with the multifunctional apparatus, eliminating time-consuming manual switching operations while preserving full data acquisition capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes circuitry to receive a request for generating electronic data from an information processing apparatus via a first communication network, generate the electronic data, receive storage destination information designating a storage destination of the electronic data from the information processing apparatus via the first communication network, and transmit the generated electronic data to the storage destination via a second communication network, different from the first communication network, based on the storage destination information received from the information processing apparatus.