Service Link Manager for Third-Party Function Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses are limited to functioning only with pre-configured services and cannot cooperate with third-party services, restricting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A service providing system that includes a first apparatus with an agent unit and an execution unit, and a second apparatus with a shadow execution unit, enabling the execution of functions in cooperation with different network services through a first and second connection, allowing the first apparatus to check and deliver messages to the agent unit for necessary information execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is configured to work only with pre-configured services, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to third-party services is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service link manager as an intermediary component that mediates between the apparatus and third-party services. This manager handles service link creation, maintenance, and termination, allowing the apparatus to adapt to various services without increasing core system complexity. The intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of service integration from the main apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the service integration functionality into separate modular components: a service link manager for connection management, an attribute manager for data handling, and service-specific interface units. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate third-party services through reusable modules rather than monolithic integration, improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus uses pre-configured services only, then the operation is simple and reliable, but the functionality is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the service link manager automatically handles service link creation, attribute synchronization, and data exchange without requiring manual configuration. The apparatus can autonomously establish connections with third-party services, acquire necessary attributes, and execute functions through standardized protocols, maintaining operational simplicity while expanding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal service interface framework that enables the apparatus to work with multiple types of services (cloud services, local services, third-party services) through a common attribute-based communication mechanism. The standardized attribute manager and service link manager provide multi-functional capability while presenting a consistent, simple interface to users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus executes functions with pre-configured services, then the execution is straightforward, but the cooperation with external services is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The service link manager acts as a mediator that centralizes all connection management activities with external services. It handles service link establishment, attribute synchronization, and data exchange protocols, shielding the main apparatus from connection management complexity. This intermediary structure enables flexible external service cooperation while keeping the core system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions where service links are pre-established and attributes are pre-synchronized before function execution. The service link manager proactively manages connection states and attribute availability, ensuring that when functions need to execute with external services, the necessary infrastructure is already in place, reducing runtime complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A service providing system includes a first apparatus including at least one agent unit that is connected to a service providing a pre-configured function over the Internet, and an execution unit that has first attribute data including state information about the first apparatus and setting information about a function of the first apparatus, and uses the first attribute data to execute an instructed function in cooperation with the agent unit, in a case of receiving the instruction regarding execution of the function; and a second apparatus including a shadow execution unit that has second attribute data corresponding to the first attribute data and executes the instruction received from the service and a process requested by the execution unit, in which through a first connection provided between the execution unit and the shadow execution unit, the execution unit checks whether there is a message generated by the shadow execution unit, acquires the message in a case where there is the message, and delivers the message to the agent unit represented by identification information attached to the message, and the agent unit to which the message is delivered acquires information necessary for executing a function from the service, through a second connection provided between the agent unit and the associated service, and executes the instructed function.