Metadata Generation Service for MFP External Storage Collaboration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems face challenges in efficiently collaborating between multifunction peripherals (MFPs) and external storage systems over networks, particularly in generating and managing request data for services like scan delivery and download print services, which complicates the setup and switching of external storage systems.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that includes an input-output service apparatus, a metadata generation service apparatus, and a contents supply service apparatus, which collaborate to generate request data based on metadata, enabling seamless integration and switching of external storage systems through standardized APIs and metadata management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing information processing systems are used for collaboration between MFPs and external storage systems, then basic functionality is maintained, but the setup and switching of external storage systems becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metadata generation service apparatus as an intermediary component that mediates between the MFP and external storage systems. This service generates standardized metadata and request data, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration. The intermediary handles the complexity of request data generation internally while presenting a simple interface to users, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex setup process into a simplified parameter-based system. By changing from manual configuration of multiple parameters to automated metadata generation with standardized parameters, the system achieves easier operation. The metadata contains all necessary parameters for external storage system collaboration, and switching systems becomes as simple as changing metadata references rather than reconfiguring complex settings
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized APIs and metadata management are implemented, then setup and switching of external storage systems is simplified, but system architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metadata generation service apparatus provides universal functionality that works with multiple different external storage systems through standardized APIs. Rather than creating separate integration mechanisms for each storage system, the universal service handles diverse storage systems through a common interface, achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional modules: the MFP, the metadata generation service, and the external storage systems. This segmentation isolates the complexity of API standardization and metadata management into a dedicated service component, allowing the MFP and storage systems to remain relatively simple while achieving high adaptability through the intermediary segment
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system including at least one input-output device and performing a sequence of processes using electronic data that include image data and print data includes a hardware processor that executes a program so as to implement: an input-output service supply unit configured to perform a collaboration process of causing a hardware computer system implementing an external storage service to collaborate with the input-output device, a request data generation unit configured to generate request data bound for the input-output service supply unit based on metadata, and a request unit configured to request the input-output service supply unit to perform the collaboration process using the request data.