Image Processing Device Multi-Protocol Service Management

Solution Overview

Problem

Image processing devices face inefficiencies in service search due to the need to revise entire Web service programs whenever a new protocol is implemented, limiting the searchable services based on whether a search request is made through a UDDI server or an original protocol.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device capable of managing services using both a first and a second protocol, allowing it to receive search requests based on one protocol and transmit service addresses managed by the other protocol, enabling seamless service discovery across different protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the image processing device implements multiple protocol management functions, then service searchability and interoperability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice searchabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides service management into separate functional modules: a first management unit for managing services based on a first protocol (e.g., UDDI), and a second management unit for managing services based on a second protocol (e.g., SLP). This segmentation allows each unit to handle specific protocols independently, improving service searchability across multiple protocols while keeping the complexity of each individual unit manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing device is designed with multi-functional capability to manage and respond to service search requests from multiple different protocols (UDDI, SLP, and others). By implementing both a first management unit and a second management unit, the device achieves universal service management across diverse protocols, enhancing adaptability and versatility without requiring separate dedicated devices for each protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device manages services based on both first and second protocols, then service discovery capability is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice discovery capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides service management into separate functional modules: a first management unit for managing services based on a first protocol (e.g., UDDI), and a second management unit for managing services based on a second protocol (e.g., SLP). This segmentation allows each unit to handle specific protocols independently, improving service searchability across multiple protocols while keeping the complexity of each individual unit manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reception unit and transmission unit act as intermediary components that receive service search requests from information processing devices using either the first or second protocol, and transmit appropriate service information back. This intermediary layer simplifies maintenance by providing a standardized interface for handling multiple protocols, reducing the need to modify core management units when adding or updating protocol support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device supports multiple search protocols, then interoperability is improved, but program complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoidprogram complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides service management into separate functional modules: a first management unit for managing services based on a first protocol (e.g., UDDI), and a second management unit for managing services based on a second protocol (e.g., SLP). This segmentation allows each unit to handle specific protocols independently, improving service searchability across multiple protocols while keeping the complexity of each individual unit manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs dynamic protocol selection where the reception unit determines which protocol (first or second) the incoming service search request uses, and routes it to the appropriate management unit. This dynamic handling allows the system to adapt to different protocols without requiring a static, complex program structure that would need to handle all protocols in a single monolithic framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8291089B2Image processing device, control method therefor, and program

Publication Date: 2012.10.16 CANON KK

AI summary

An image processing device communicable with an information processing device, includes: a first management unit for managing at least one service provided by the image processing device based on a first protocol; a second management unit for managing the at least one service provided by the image processing device based on a second protocol; a reception unit for receiving a search request for searching for a service managed by the second management unit, the search request being transmitted from the information processing device based on the first protocol; and a transmission unit for transmitting, in response to the search request received by the reception unit, an address of a service satisfying the search request and managed by the second management unit to the information processing device.