Server-Client Address Synchronization in Information Processing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In client-server systems, especially in devices like multi-function peripherals (MFPs), changes to shared setting values, such as IP addresses, can unintentionally alter server settings, leading to synchronization failures across all connected clients, including the device itself, as both the client and server share the same value.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a storage unit to manage server and client applications, where the server application updates its address to match any changes in the client address information, ensuring synchronized settings across all connected devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a client device is equipped with server function and shares the same setting value for IP address and host name, then the device can function as both client and server, but changes to the setting value in the client unintentionally alter the server settings causing synchronization failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the setting value management by introducing separate setting value storage areas for the server application and client application. The server application stores server setting values (including server IP address and host name) while the client application stores client setting values. This segmentation prevents unintentional alteration of server settings when a client device changes its own settings, as each application manages its own settings independently despite sharing the same physical device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a setting value management unit as an intermediary that coordinates between the server application and client application. This unit detects changes in client setting values and automatically updates the corresponding server setting values in the server application, ensuring synchronization without direct coupling between the two applications. The intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling independent setting changes while maintaining consistency.
2Productivity
If the server ignores already-registered setting values during initial connection processing, then processing efficiency is improved, but the server address information is not updated when the client address changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the setting value management unit continuously monitors changes in client setting values (such as IP address and host name). When a change is detected, the system automatically updates the corresponding server setting values in the server application, even during initial connection processing. This feedback loop ensures that the server always has accurate and up-to-date address information, resolving the contradiction between processing efficiency and connection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In the case where a user changes a setting value, such as an IP address, in a client device equipped with a server function, the setting value as a server is changed, and as a result of this, it is no longer possible to implement synchronization processing with the client. An information processing apparatus including a storage unit configured to store a server application for managing setting information of one or more clients and store a client application, the server application managing server address information representing a connection destination address which is used by the one or more clients to access the server application and the client application managing client address information representing an address of the information processing apparatus as a client which is one of the one or more clients, and both the server address information and the client address information indicating an address of the information processing apparatus; and, one or more processing units configured to execute the server application and the client application and change, in a case where the client address information has been changed or is to be changed, the server address information so that the server address information indicates the same address as the client address information which has been changed or is to be changed.