Proxy Server Setting Negotiation for Printing Apparatus Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in accurately configuring proxy server information, often leading to manual input errors due to the complexity of setting methods.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that automates the proxy server setting process by determining and transmitting the appropriate setting method to a connected printing apparatus, reducing the need for manual user input through methods like automatic configuration scripts and manual settings, and supporting various connection types such as USB, wired LAN, and wireless LAN.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual input method is used for proxy server settings, then user can directly input URL or port number, but setting errors increase due to complexity of setting methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproxy server setting operationVSAvoidsetting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus automatically detects and configures proxy server settings by querying the information processing apparatus, eliminating the need for manual user input. The system performs self-configuration by automatically obtaining proxy server information and applying it to the appropriate setting method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the user and the printing apparatus. It retrieves proxy server settings from the printing apparatus, determines the appropriate setting method, and transmits the converted settings back to the printing apparatus, thereby mediating the complex configuration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple setting methods are supported (automatic configuration script, automatic detection, manual setting), then adaptability increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting method compatibilityVSAvoidconfiguration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus is designed to support multiple setting methods (automatic configuration script, automatic detection, manual setting) and can determine the appropriate method based on the printing apparatus capabilities. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to different scenarios while maintaining a unified interface for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically determines which setting method to use by querying the printing apparatus for its capabilities and automatically selecting the most appropriate method. The configuration process is flexible and adaptive, changing its approach based on the specific situation rather than following a fixed procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If automatic configuration is implemented, then setting time is reduced, but measurement precision of setting accuracy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration timeVSAvoidsetting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the printing apparatus provides information about its supported setting methods to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus uses this feedback to determine the most appropriate setting method and automatically transmits the converted settings, ensuring both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus pre-provides information about its supported setting methods before the actual configuration process. This preliminary action allows the information processing apparatus to plan and execute the configuration efficiently, reducing time loss while maintaining accuracy through informed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4407432B1Information processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, and program
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 CANON KK
  • EP4407432B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4407432B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4407432B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus (101) includes: a first acquisition unit that acquires first setting information including at least one piece of information indicating a proxy server setting method enabled in the information processing apparatus; a second acquisition unit that acquires second setting information including at least one piece of information indicating a proxy server setting method supported by an external apparatus; and a transmission unit that transmits, in a case where there is a same setting method in the first setting information and the second setting information, all information indicating the same setting method to the external apparatus.