Protocol Conversion for Indirect Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional device management systems that manage devices via an information processing apparatus are limited in the information they can acquire and the extent of management they can perform, compared to direct management.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that communicates with devices via a first communication channel and a device management apparatus via a second channel, using protocol conversion to generate and transmit device information acquisition requests and responses, enabling high-level management of devices even when they are not directly connected to the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device management apparatus manages a device via an information processing apparatus, then the device can be managed even when not directly connected to the network, but the information that can be acquired is limited and the extent of management is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus serves as an intermediary between the device management apparatus and the device. It receives management information from the device management apparatus, converts it to device-specific protocols, transmits to the device, and relays responses back. This mediator role enables indirect device management while maintaining full information acquisition capabilities through protocol conversion.
2Loss of information
If protocol conversion is implemented in the information processing apparatus, then comprehensive device information can be acquired through indirect management, but the communication overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus is designed with multi-functional capability to handle multiple communication protocols simultaneously. It maintains both standard network protocols for communication with the device management apparatus and device-specific protocols for communication with various devices, enabling universal compatibility without requiring separate systems for each protocol type.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus is communicable with a device via a first communication channel and communicable with a device management apparatus for managing the device via a second communication channel. The information processing apparatus includes a request generator configured to generate a first device information acquisition request in a second protocol based on a device information acquisition request in a first protocol transmitted from the device management apparatus via the second communication channel; a first transmitter configured to transmit the first device information acquisition request to the device via the first communication channel; a first receiver configured to receive a first device information acquisition response in the second protocol including device information from the device via the first communication channel; and a response generator configured to generate a device information acquisition response in the first protocol based on the first device information acquisition response.