Server-Push Facsimile Session Bypassing LAN Firewalls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems do not facilitate facsimile transmission requests over the Internet, limiting the functionality of servers connected to Local Area Networks (LANs) when interacting with remote FAX machines.

Innovation Solution

A server configuration that establishes a session with a function execution device via the Internet for server-push communication, allowing the server to receive image data from a terminal device and send facsimile request information to the function execution device for facsimile transmission, utilizing Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) sessions or HTTPS for communication across firewalls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the FAX server sends image data to the remote FAX machine through the LAN, then the facsimile transmission can be requested, but the system cannot communicate via the Internet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication network adaptabilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an XMPP server as an intermediary to enable communication between the FAX server and remote FAX machine over the Internet. The XMPP server receives facsimile request information from the FAX server and forwards it to the remote FAX machine, acting as a mediator that bridges the gap between LAN-based FAX protocols and Internet-based communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the communication parameter from LAN-based direct connection to Internet-based XMPP protocol. By transforming the communication method to use XMPP sessions with server-push capability, the system enables Internet communication while maintaining reliable delivery through the standardized XMPP protocol framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the server establishes a session via the Internet for server-push communication, then facsimile transmission can be requested over the Internet, but firewall interruption may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInternet communication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The XMPP server acts as a mediator that operates outside the client firewall, receiving facsimile request information from the FAX server and forwarding it to the remote FAX machine. This intermediary approach allows the system to bypass firewall restrictions while maintaining reliable communication through the XMPP protocol's established session mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes an XMPP session in advance before facsimile transmission is needed. This preliminary session setup ensures that the communication channel is already authenticated and configured, allowing subsequent facsimile request information to be pushed through the session without being blocked by firewall rules that might interrupt ad-hoc connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the FAX server is connected to the LAN only, then the communication is reliable within the LAN, but the functionality is limited when interacting with remote FAX machines

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLAN communication reliabilityVSAvoidremote communication functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The FAX server is enhanced with dual communication capability: it can communicate reliably within the LAN using traditional FAX protocols and also communicate over the Internet using XMPP sessions. This multi-functionality allows the same server to handle both local and remote facsimile transmissions without sacrificing the reliability of LAN communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The XMPP server serves as an intermediary that enables the FAX server to extend its functionality to remote FAX machines over the Internet while maintaining its primary reliable LAN communication. The intermediary handles the complexity of Internet communication, allowing the FAX server to focus on reliable local communication while gaining remote capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11350009B2Sever for sending facsimile request information to function execution device by using server-push communication

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A server may establish a session with a function execution device via the Internet, the session being for executing server-push communication, the function execution device being capable of executing at least a facsimile function, receive first image data from a terminal device via the Internet, and in a case where the first image data is received from the terminal device, send facsimile request information to the function execution device via the Internet by using the session, the facsimile request information being for requesting a facsimile transmission of an image corresponding to the first image data.