Image Processing Apparatus Dynamic Protocol Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies lack an appropriate communication protocol for transmitting image data, particularly in scenarios where various image processing apparatuses, such as scanners, need to securely and efficiently transfer data across networks.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that communicates with a directory server to authenticate and receive attribute information, using this information to determine the appropriate communication protocol for transmitting image data to either a home folder or a web page location, employing protocols like FTP, CIFS, or HTTP based on the type of attribute information received.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single communication protocol is used for transmitting image data, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt to different destination types (home folder vs. web page)
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the communication protocol based on the destination type. When the destination is a home folder, FTP protocol is used; when the destination is a web page, HTTP protocol is used. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle different transmission scenarios appropriately without requiring manual configuration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by making the protocol selection automatic and context-dependent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication protocol parameter based on the destination type attribute. The directory server returns attribute information indicating whether the destination is a home folder or web page, and the image processing apparatus changes the protocol parameter accordingly (FTP for home folders, HTTP for web pages). This parameter change approach enables the system to adapt to different destinations while maintaining a unified interface for the user.
2Ease of operation
If automatic protocol selection is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple protocol support
Solution Approach 1:
The directory server acts as an intermediary that provides attribute information about the destination type. The image processing apparatus uses this attribute information to automatically determine which protocol to use. This intermediary approach simplifies the operation for the user (who doesn't need to manually select protocols) while the system handles the protocol selection complexity automatically based on the attributes returned by the directory server.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically selecting the appropriate communication protocol based on the destination attributes without requiring user intervention. The image processing apparatus retrieves attribute information from the directory server and autonomously decides whether to use FTP or HTTP protocol, thereby improving ease of operation while the internal system manages the complexity of multiple protocol support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are supported, then the adaptability to different destinations is improved, but the reliability of data transmission may deteriorate due to protocol compatibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies the principle of local quality by selecting a specific communication protocol suited for each destination type. FTP protocol is used locally for home folder destinations, while HTTP protocol is used locally for web page destinations. This localized protocol selection ensures that each transmission uses the most appropriate and reliable protocol for its specific destination, thereby maintaining high transmission reliability while supporting multiple destination types.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus operates to perform: transmitting account information to the directory server through the communication interface for authentication by the directory server; receiving attribute information from the directory server when the account information is authenticated by the directory server, the attribute information being associated with the account information by the directory server and indicating a location in the network; transmitting image data, when the attribute information includes type-1 information, to the location indicated by the attribute information as a first destination using a first communication protocol indicated by the type-1 information; and transmitting image data, when the attribute information includes type-2 information, to the location indicated by the attribute information as a second destination that is different from the first destination using a second communication protocol indicated by the type-2 information, the second communication protocol being different from the first communication protocol.