Information Processing Apparatus Public Network Access via Server Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems fail to enable access to linked devices when they are not open to the public network or have restricted access, as devices outside the local area network or without specific permissions cannot acquire data from these devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that includes an information processing apparatus and a server machine, where the apparatus acquires hyperlink information, transmits contents to a server, and generates combined document data with URLs, allowing access to stored contents via a public network while ensuring confidentiality by using a first device open to the public network and a second device closed to it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hyperlink information is converted to a two-dimensional code and printed on a document, then distributed users can acquire hyperlink information by scanning the code, but users cannot access linked devices that are not open to the public network or have restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
A server machine acts as an intermediary between the information processing apparatus and the linked device. The server receives contents from the information processing apparatus, stores them, and provides access through a URL. This mediator enables access to linked devices that would otherwise be inaccessible from the public network, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If contents are transmitted directly to devices on the public network, then access is enabled, but confidentiality of sensitive data is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The server machine is segmented into a first device open to the public network and a second device closed to the public network. The first device handles public communications and URL distribution, while the second device stores sensitive contents securely. This segmentation allows the system to provide both network accessibility and data confidentiality simultaneously.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a linked device is restricted to LAN-only access, then data security is maintained, but external users cannot acquire data from the device
Solution Approach 1:
The server machine serves as an intermediary that bridges the LAN-restricted linked device and external users. The server retrieves contents from the linked device within the LAN, stores them securely, and provides access to external users through the public network via URL. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining LAN security while enabling external access through the mediating server.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions. When the instructions are executed by a processor, the instructions cause an information processing apparatus including a communication section configured to communicate with external devices including a server machine on a network, to perform: a process of acquiring hyperlink information corresponding to a hyperlink from document data; a process of acquiring contents specified by the hyperlink information; a process of transmitting the contents to the server machine via the communication section; a process of acquiring, from the server machine, one of URL for acquiring the contents transmitted and URL-related information related to the URL, via the communication section; and a process of generating combined document data in which the URL is combined with the document data.