Proxy Server Setting Distribution for IoT Device Service Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IoT systems require manual service engineer intervention for setting up optional services on devices, increasing operational burden.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a proxy server that relays communication and automatically distributes setting values to network devices, including restart instructions, to facilitate service mode settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual service engineer settings are used for each device, then service mode settings can be configured, but operational burden on service engineers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of service engineering operationVSAvoidtime for service engineer settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring apparatus automatically performs service mode settings on target devices without requiring service engineer intervention. The system self-configures proxy server settings by transmitting setting values to devices that lack service mode settings, enabling automated service deployment across multiple devices simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring apparatus acts as an intermediary between the service management system and target devices. It receives service mode setting information and automatically transmits configured setting values to devices, mediating the settings process and eliminating the need for direct service engineer device interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If proxy server communication is enabled for self-monitoring only, then device monitoring is achieved, but other service functions cannot use the proxy server

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility of proxy server usageVSAvoidcomplexity of service configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy server is configured to serve multiple functions beyond self-monitoring. By automatically enabling service mode settings that allow optional services (software distribution, device maintenance, reporting) to communicate through the proxy server, the system makes the proxy infrastructure universal across all service types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Service mode settings are pre-configured in the monitoring apparatus before being transmitted to target devices. The necessary proxy server communication settings are established in advance, allowing devices to immediately utilize the proxy server for various services without requiring individual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250379787A1Information processing apparatus, method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus, comprising: a proxy server for relaying communication from a network device, which is included in management targets of a management service of device management system, to an external network; one or more memories storing instructions, and one or more processors capable of executing the instructions causing the information processing apparatus to: set setting information indicating one or more conditions related to a distribution of a device setting value to the network device; executes, based on the setting information, first processing for distributing a setting value related to a proxy setting and second processing for instructing the network device to restart, wherein the distributed setting value indicates the proxy server is used for the communication from the network device to the external network.