Proxy Server Setting Conversion for Connected Printers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual input of proxy server information in printing apparatuses leads to potential setting errors due to user errors, necessitating a more efficient and error-reducing method for proxy server settings.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus acquires and transmits proxy server setting methods between itself and a connected printing apparatus, either through direct USB, network, or access point mode, to automate the setting process and reduce manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual input method is used for proxy server settings, then user can configure settings, but setting errors occur due to user errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting accuracyVSAvoidmanual input requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus automatically obtains proxy server settings from the information processing apparatus without requiring manual user input. The setting unit acquires proxy server information automatically, eliminating user errors while maintaining ease of configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary that stores and transmits proxy server settings to the printing apparatus. This mediator approach allows automatic configuration while ensuring accurate transmission of settings without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If automatic transmission of proxy server settings is implemented, then setting accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus performs multiple functions: it stores proxy server settings, determines compatible setting methods between itself and the printing apparatus, and transmits the appropriate settings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the settings storage unit, setting method determination unit, and settings transmission unit into an integrated system within the information processing apparatus. This merging reduces overall system complexity while achieving automatic accurate configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12425487B2Information processing apparatus using a proxy server, method for controlling information processing apparatus and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus acquires first setting information including a proxy server setting method enabled in the information processing apparatus, acquires second setting information indicating a proxy server setting method supported by an external apparatus, and determines whether there is a same setting method in the first setting information and the second setting information. In a case there is the same setting method, all information indicating the same setting method is transmitted to the external apparatus, and if there is no same setting method, it is determined whether the proxy server setting method enabled in the information processing apparatus, which is included in the first setting information, can be converted to any one of the second setting information supported by the external apparatus. If it is determined that conversion is possible, information obtained by converting the first setting information to the second setting information is transmitted to the external apparatus.