Server Association Process Flow Determining for Error Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image processing systems, when an error occurs in a server during the execution of an image processing function, the system cannot output image data to a post-process server, leading to interruptions and the need for users to wait for server recovery or restart the association process flow from the beginning.
Innovation Solution
A server device that manages an association process flow by determining multiple association process flows, allowing the system to branch to another flow if an error occurs, ensuring continuous image processing without interruption by utilizing external device information to define how processes are performed across different devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single association process flow is used for image processing, then the process flow is simple and easy to manage, but the system cannot continue processing when an error occurs in a server
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the association process flow into multiple alternative flows (first association process flow and second association process flow). Each flow defines a different sequence of servers to contact for performing image processing functions. When an error occurs in one flow, the system can switch to another flow, ensuring continuous processing while maintaining manageable complexity through structured segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching between different association process flows based on the operational state of servers. The system dynamically determines which flow to execute by checking server availability and responding to errors in real-time, allowing the process flow structure to adapt dynamically rather than remaining static, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex pre-planned contingencies.
2Productivity
If the association process flow is modified when an error occurs, then the system can continue processing, but the user must wait for server recovery or restart from the beginning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares multiple alternative association process flows in advance before any errors occur. The system pre-determines backup sequences of servers that can be activated if errors are detected during processing. This preliminary preparation allows the system to switch flows immediately when errors occur, eliminating the need to wait for server recovery or restart from the beginning, thereby maintaining productivity without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the execution status of the association process flow and detects errors in real-time. When an error is detected, the system uses this feedback information to switch to an alternative process flow, ensuring continuous processing. This feedback-driven approach allows immediate response to errors without requiring user intervention or waiting for manual recovery actions.
3Reliability
If multiple association process flows are determined, then the system can switch flows when errors occur, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error recovery mechanism into distinct alternative association process flows, where each flow is a self-contained sequence of server operations. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple flows in an organized manner, improving error recovery capability while keeping the complexity manageable through clear structural division rather than requiring complex unified error handling logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages multiple association process flows by changing the flow selection parameter based on system state. Instead of maintaining complex dynamic structures, the system uses parameter-based switching (selecting different flow identifiers based on error detection) to manage reliability. This approach improves error recovery capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by using simple parameter changes rather than complex control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A server device includes an external device information managing unit which manages external device information regarding plural external devices, and an association process flow determining unit which determines an association process flow that defines how plural processes in image processing are performed on image data by the external devices, based on the external device information. The association process flow determining unit is configured to determine plural association process flows for the image processing, and the determined association process flows include first and second association process flows such that first external devices defined in the first association process flow differ from second external devices defined in the second association process flow.