Information Processing Apparatus Cloud Relay Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information processing apparatuses face challenges in accessing and communicating with both public and private cloud services across different networks, particularly due to unknown communication methods and firewall restrictions, which hinder direct communication with public clouds and require complex relay processes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first communication section for receiving access information via an API and a second communication section for establishing communication with cloud servers using this information, allowing it to function as an internal server and access both public and private clouds without pre-known methods, facilitated by a relay server that manages access and communication methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the information processing apparatus directly communicates with public cloud services, then communication speed and efficiency are improved, but the apparatus requires pre-known communication methods and firewall configurations which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay server as an intermediary between the information processing apparatus and cloud services. The relay server receives communication requests from the apparatus, determines the appropriate communication method, and relays communications to the target cloud service. This eliminates the need for the apparatus to know specific communication methods or configure firewalls directly, while still enabling direct communication with public clouds when appropriate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus uses a relay server for all cloud communications, then adaptability to different cloud services is improved, but communication efficiency decreases due to additional relay processes
Solution Approach 1:
The relay server dynamically determines the communication method based on the target cloud service and current conditions. For public cloud services where direct communication is feasible and efficient, the relay server establishes direct connections. For private cloud services or scenarios requiring authentication, the relay server mediates the communication. This dynamic approach optimizes communication efficiency while maintaining adaptability across different cloud service types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus stores multiple communication methods for different cloud services, then adaptability is improved, but the amount of information to be managed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication method determination function from the information processing apparatus and relocates it to the relay server. The apparatus only needs to store minimal information about available communication methods, while the relay server maintains a comprehensive database of communication methods for various cloud services. This extraction reduces the information storage burden on the apparatus while maintaining full adaptability through the relay server's knowledge base.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first communication section and a second communication section. The first communication section externally receives information indicating a communication method to be used in communication with a server apparatus, by using a predetermined communication method. The second communication section communicates with the server apparatus by using the communication method indicated by the information that has been received.