Intermediation Server API Management for MFP Print Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in allowing a multifunctional peripheral device (MFP) to receive services from multiple service providers without storing numerous APIs, especially when the service providers change specifications, and in executing print commands for web page data without authentication information.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that includes an MFP, an intermediation server, and service providing servers, where the MFP uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to send location information of web page data to the intermediation server, which then communicates with service providers using APIs stored on the server, allowing the MFP to execute print commands without storing these APIs and without authentication information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the MFP stores multiple APIs to receive services from multiple service providers, then the MFP can receive services from different providers, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult when service providers change specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediation server as a mediator between the MFP and multiple service providing servers. The intermediation server stores APIs for different service providers and manages authentication information, while the MFP only needs to communicate with the intermediation server through a standard interface. This resolves the contradiction by enabling multi-provider service reception without increasing MFP complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the API storage and management function from the MFP and relocates it to the intermediation server. The MFP is relieved of the burden of storing and managing multiple service provider APIs, while the intermediation server assumes this responsibility. This extraction resolves the contradiction by maintaining service versatility while reducing MFP complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the MFP executes print commands without authentication information, then the operation becomes simpler and faster, but the reliability and security of service execution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication where the terminal device authenticates with the service providing server before obtaining location information, and the intermediation server authenticates with the service providing server before executing print commands. This preliminary authentication ensures reliability and security while allowing the MFP to execute print commands without handling authentication information, thus maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediation server acts as an intermediary that handles authentication with service providing servers on behalf of the MFP. The MFP sends print commands without authentication information, while the intermediation server manages the authentication process with service providers, thus resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and authentication security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the MFP stores numerous APIs for different service providers, then services from multiple providers can be received, but the loss of time for maintenance and updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediation server serves as an intermediary that centralizes API storage and management for multiple service providers. When service providers change specifications, only the intermediation server needs to update its stored APIs, not the MFP. This resolves the contradiction by enabling support for multiple service providers while minimizing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the time-consuming API maintenance task from the MFP and relocates it to the intermediation server. The MFP maintains a simple, stable interface while the intermediation server handles all API updates and maintenance for different service providers, thus resolving the contradiction between service versatility and maintenance time.
Data Source
AI summary
A control server may receive first location information indicating a location of specific web page data via a data processing device, in a case where a terminal device comprising a web browser receives the specific web page data from a specific service providing server by using a first type of wireless communication and sends the first location information to the data processing device by using a second type of wireless communication. The control server may cause a display unit of the data processing device to display at least N items of account information among M items of account information currently stored in the data processing device, in a case where the first location information is received. Each of the N items of account information may be available for receiving a data providing service from the specific service providing server.