Message Server Mediates Printer-Server Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firewalls in enterprise networks restrict communication between multi-function printers and external solution servers, preventing bidirectional communication and hindering the provision of solution services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a message server that communicates with both the solution server and the image forming apparatus, using a message protocol to transmit and store job requests and responses, while firewalls are used to restrict access, allowing the image forming apparatus to pull requests from the message server and convert responses for transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a firewall is installed between the multi-function printer and the external server for security reasons, then security is improved, but communication between the multi-function printer and the external server is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a message server as an intermediary component that facilitates communication between the multi-function printer and the external solution server through the firewall. The message server receives job requests from the solution server, stores them, and transmits them to the multi-function printer when it pulls requests, thereby enabling communication while maintaining firewall security restrictions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the solution application is installed in an external server and accessed through a browser, then adaptability is improved, but communication stability is worsened due to firewall restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The message server performs preliminary actions by receiving and storing job requests from the solution server before the multi-function printer needs to execute them. This advance preparation ensures that when the printer pulls requests, the job information is already available, maintaining communication stability while supporting the external server architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The message server acts as a mediator that decouples the solution server and the multi-function printer, allowing the solution server to send requests through the firewall without direct access to the printer. This intermediary approach maintains communication stability while preserving the adaptable external server architecture.
3Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus transmits a pull request to the message server, then communication capability is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The message server simplifies the system architecture by centralizing the communication logic. Instead of requiring complex direct connections between the solution server and the multi-function printer, the message server handles all communication tasks including request storage, retrieval, and data type conversion, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the additional component.
Data Source
AI summary
A system which provides a solution service to an image forming apparatus and includes a solution server having a solution application installed therein, an image forming apparatus configured to provide a user interface (UI) for the solution application and perform a job requested by the solution server, and a message server configured to communicate with the solution server and the image forming apparatus. The solution server transmits a job request to the message server by using a message protocol, and the image forming apparatus receives the job request by accessing the message server.