Device Control via OS Remote Access for Local Peripheral Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device control systems cannot acquire information from local apparatuses not directly connected to a network without installing specific software, such as print server software, limiting their control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A device control apparatus that utilizes the remote control function of an operating system to search for and acquire device information from local apparatuses connected to information processing devices via a predetermined interface, without requiring specific software installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific software such as print server software is installed on the PC to enable control of local apparatus, then the ability to acquire device information from local apparatus is improved, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (device information acquisition unit) that acts as a mediator between the control apparatus and local apparatus. This unit captures device information directly from the local apparatus through the information processing apparatus without requiring software installation on the information processing apparatus, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability of information acquisition and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the control apparatus to independently acquire device information from local apparatus through the information processing apparatus without requiring the information processing apparatus to provide special services or run additional software. The control apparatus performs self-service information acquisition, eliminating the need for print server software installation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control apparatus only controls apparatus directly connected to the network, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to control local apparatus indirectly connected to the network is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control mechanism that can handle both directly-connected network apparatus and indirectly-connected local apparatus through the same control interface. The device information acquisition unit is designed to work with any local apparatus connected to any information processing apparatus on the network, providing multi-functionality without increasing control mechanism complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing apparatus serves as an intermediary that bridges the control apparatus and local apparatus. By utilizing the existing network connection and information processing apparatus, the system extends control capability to local apparatus without adding complex direct control mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If remote control functionality is used to access the information processing apparatus, then the ability to control local apparatus is improved, but the security requirements and system constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus uses its own built-in remote control functionality (such as Remote Desktop Protocol) to enable the control apparatus to access and capture device information from local apparatus. This self-service approach leverages existing OS capabilities without requiring additional software or complex security configurations
Data Source
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AI summary
A device control apparatus configured to control a device based on device information acquired from the device, the device control apparatus including a search part configured to search for an information processing apparatus connected to a network; a remote control availability determining part configured to determine whether the information processing apparatus searched by the search part can be controlled by remote control; and a device information acquiring part configured to control the information processing apparatus by the remote control.