Job Intermediate Server Cross-Network Request Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to enable direct communication and request processing between electronic devices and terminals that belong to different networks, due to firewall restrictions and assumptions of direct access, limiting the ability to send requests across network boundaries.
Innovation Solution
A server apparatus, such as a job intermediate server, is connected to both the operation apparatus and electronic apparatus networks, storing processing requests with identification information and relaying job requests between them using HTTP transactions, allowing indirect communication and processing even when devices are on different networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct communication between terminal and electronic device is assumed, then communication simplicity is improved, but network compatibility deteriorates (cannot communicate across different networks)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives processing requests from terminals and forwards them to electronic devices. The server acts as a mediator that enables communication between terminals and electronic devices on different networks by receiving requests via HTTP from terminals on a first network and relaying them to electronic devices on a second network, thus resolving the network compatibility issue while maintaining communication simplicity.
2Reliability
If firewall restrictions are implemented for security, then system security is improved, but request processing capability deteriorates (blocks cross-network communication)
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a secure intermediary that receives HTTP requests from terminals and forwards processing requests to electronic devices. This intermediary approach allows the firewall to block direct cross-network communication while still enabling request processing through the server, which acts as a trusted gateway that mediates between the terminal and electronic device across network boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication process into distinct stages: terminal sends HTTP request to server, server processes and converts to processing request, server sends to electronic device, electronic device executes and returns result. This segmentation allows firewall rules to be applied at different levels, blocking direct peer-to-peer communication while permitting server-mediated communication, thus maintaining security without completely blocking request processing.
3Loss of information
If identification code is displayed on electronic device, then device identification is improved, but information security deteriorates (exposes internal identification to external networks)
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that receives the identification code from the electronic device and processes it without exposing the internal identification structure to external terminals. The terminal only communicates with the server using standard HTTP protocols, and the server handles the identification code validation and device recognition, thus preventing direct exposure of internal device identification information to external networks while still enabling device identification.
Data Source
AI summary
A server apparatus or system is connected to an operation apparatus provided on a first network and to one or more electronic apparatuses provided on a second network. In response to a processing request regarding a process to be executed using one of one or more electronic apparatuses, the server apparatus or system stores a processing request in association with identification information for identifying the electronic apparatus to be used for executing the process. The identification information is being obtained by the operation apparatus directly or indirectly from the electronic apparatus, and sent to the server. In response to a request received from the electronic apparatus to be used for executing the process, the server sends information relating to the processing request associated with the identification information for identifying the electronic apparatus to the electronic apparatus that send the request.