Cloud Mediation Service Synchronizing Job Storage Periods

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cloud printing services, job storage periods set by different services can lead to incomplete printing or unintended printing timing due to mismatched storage periods, causing confusion for users.

Innovation Solution

A server provides a cloud mediation service that coordinates job storage periods between multiple cloud services by submitting jobs to one service and managing storage periods, allowing for cooperation between the services through processes like resubmission and cancellation to align storage periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different cloud services set independent job storage periods, then each service can manage its own storage independently, but the storage periods become mismatched causing incomplete printing or unintended printing timing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent storage period managementVSAvoidprinting completion reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mediation service acts as an intermediary between the first cloud service and the second cloud service, coordinating their storage periods. It receives job information from the first service, determines appropriate storage periods for both services, and manages the job submissions to ensure synchronized storage periods, thereby preventing printing completion issues while maintaining independent service management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different cloud services set independent job storage periods, then each service can manage its own storage independently, but user confusion occurs due to mismatched storage periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent storage period managementVSAvoidjob storage information clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The mediation service provides a unified interface for managing job storage across multiple cloud services. It coordinates the storage periods between services and presents consistent job storage information to users, eliminating confusion caused by mismatched storage periods while allowing each service to maintain its independent management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the mediation service coordinates storage periods between cloud services, then job storage periods are synchronized preventing printing issues, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting completion reliabilityVSAvoidmediation service complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mediation service implements a centralized coordination mechanism that manages storage periods between multiple cloud services through a unified process. It determines storage periods based on job information, coordinates submissions between services, and ensures synchronized storage, thereby achieving reliable printing completion while consolidating complexity into a single management point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11847362B2Server, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 CANON KK

AI summary

In a cloud mediation service, a server includes an acquisition unit to acquire a first storage period for storing, in a first cloud service, a first job submitted to the first cloud service, and a second storage period for storing, in a second cloud service, a second job submitted to the second cloud service, and an execution unit to execute, based on one of a first timing at which the first job is deleted due to an elapse of the first storage period and a second timing at which the second job is deleted due to an elapse of the second storage period, a cooperation process of making a period for storing the first job in the first cloud service and a period for storing the second job in the second cloud service cooperate with each other.