Dynamic Device Linkage via Specification Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for linking image forming apparatuses with input/output devices and cloud services are limited in enabling dynamic linkage and require complex development processes, failing to efficiently facilitate connections between various devices and services across networks.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and system that includes a user interface for receiving function execution requests, a search and linkage unit to generate a linkage flow based on device specifications, and a flow execution unit to send process requests to designated input and output devices, enabling seamless linkage between devices and services through a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods using SDKs or pre-configured interfaces are used to link image forming apparatuses with input/output devices, then the linkage can be established, but the development process becomes complex and cannot easily accommodate dynamic linkage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service as an intermediary component that mediates between the image forming apparatus and input/output devices. The service provides a standardized interface that simplifies the linkage process, allowing dynamic connections without requiring complex direct programming between devices. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of device discovery, specification matching, and communication protocol negotiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal service interface that can accommodate multiple types of input/output devices through a single standardized API. This multi-functional approach allows the same service mechanism to work with various device types (printers, scanners, projectors, etc.), eliminating the need for device-specific development and enabling dynamic linkage adaptability.
2Reliability
If detailed device specifications are provided to ensure proper linkage, then compatibility is improved, but users must have prior knowledge of device specifications which increases operation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The service automatically performs device discovery and specification acquisition without requiring user intervention. When a user initiates a linkage request, the service autonomously queries available devices, retrieves their specifications, and determines the appropriate connection parameters. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable compatibility while keeping the user interface simple and unaware of underlying complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The service performs preliminary actions by pre-acquiring and storing device specifications before the actual linkage operation. Device information is gathered in advance and maintained in a database, so when a linkage request occurs, the service can immediately use the pre-fetched specifications to establish the connection without requiring users to understand or provide detailed device parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a user interface unit configured to receive a function execution request for processes, the function execution request containing designations of an input function and an output function; a search and linkage unit configured to acquire pieces of specifications information indicating functions of an input device and an output device from the respective devices, and generate, based on the pieces of specifications information, a linkage flow indicating an execution sequence and a combination of an input device and an output device which respectively have an input function and an output function designated in the function execution request, the devices executing the functions, respectively, in linkage with each other; and a flow executing unit configured to send process requests to the input device and the output device designated in the linkage flow, respectively.