Information Processing Apparatus Automatic Network Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat rate Web services for image forming apparatuses require complex internet connection and registration processes, restricting usage when not connected to the internet and potentially leading to registration errors.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with communication units and processors that automatically determine and establish an internet connection, register the apparatus to a service, and manage consumable monitoring, allowing seamless registration and usage regardless of connection method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the printer is required to be connected to the Internet for Web service registration, then consumable monitoring and service management are improved, but the complexity of setup operations and connection configuration increases for users
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus (PC) acts as an intermediary between the printer and the Web service. It manages the Internet connection and registration process on behalf of the printer, allowing the printer to be registered even when not directly connected to the Internet. The PC handles network configuration, communicates with the Web service, and automates the registration workflow, thereby maintaining service reliability while simplifying user operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service registration where the information processing apparatus automatically performs connection establishment and Web service registration without requiring manual user configuration. The automation includes detecting network status, establishing connections, and completing registration protocols, reducing operational complexity while ensuring reliable service setup.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual connection and registration processing is required, then service management control is improved, but the time and complexity of setup procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network settings and preparing registration data before the actual Web service registration. It anticipates connection requirements and establishes network pathways in advance, allowing the printer to be registered quickly without time-consuming manual configuration steps during the setup process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the information processing apparatus continuously monitors the registration status and network connection state. It receives feedback from the Web service about registration progress and automatically adjusts its actions accordingly, enabling efficient service management control while minimizing setup time through real-time status tracking and automated response.
3Reliability
If the printer must be registered to Web service before use, then consumable security and service management are improved, but the ease of immediate usage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus serves as a mediator that handles the registration requirement in the background. Users can initiate usage immediately through the PC, which manages the Web service registration and Internet connection protocols automatically. This maintains consumable security through Web service monitoring while allowing immediate usage without requiring users to complete complex registration procedures first.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus has a plurality of communication units capable of communicating with an image processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus obtains information of an image processing apparatus connected via at least one communication unit of the plurality of communication units and is not connected to the Internet, and it determines whether it is necessary to connect the image processing apparatus to a predetermined network connected to the Internet based on the obtained information. In a case where it is determined that it is necessary to connect, the information processing apparatus causes the image processing apparatus to execute processing for connecting to the predetermined network via the at least one communication unit, and in a case that the processing for connecting completes, registers the image processing apparatus to a service intermediated by the predetermined network.