Unified Interface for Multi-Type Apparatus Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In offices and similar environments, the use of various apparatuses such as printers, copiers, electronic whiteboards, and projectors is complicated due to their unique application program interfaces (APIs), requiring software developers to create separate solutions for each, which is inefficient and difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A mediating device that detects multiple types of connected apparatuses, provides a common interface independent of the apparatus type, and translates operation requests into specific APIs for each device, allowing for unified management and operation across different apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate solutions are developed for each apparatus using its unique API, then the apparatus can be operated with its specific functions, but the complexity of development and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface that can operate multiple types of apparatuses (image formation apparatuses, communication apparatuses, presentation apparatuses) through a single standardized API. This allows one interface to perform multiple functions across different device types, eliminating the need for separate development for each apparatus type while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the unified interface) that sits between the user and multiple apparatuses with different native APIs. This intermediary translates standardized operation requests into apparatus-specific commands, mediating between the universal interface and diverse apparatuses, thereby simplifying development while preserving apparatus-specific functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique APIs are used for different apparatuses, then each apparatus can provide specialized functionality, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The unified interface provides universal operation capability across multiple apparatus types through a single standardized API. Users interact with one consistent interface regardless of which apparatus type is being controlled, significantly improving ease of operation while the interface maintains adaptability to handle specialized functions of each apparatus type.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device, an information processing system, and a method of processing an operation request to any one of a plurality of types of apparatuses connected to a network. The information processing device and the method include detecting the plurality of types of apparatuses connected to the network, receiving an operation request that does not depend on the type of the apparatus, directed to any one of the plurality of types of the apparatuses detected in the detecting, and causing the apparatus to execute processing corresponding to the operation request via an interface corresponding to each type of apparatus. The information processing system includes the plurality of types of apparatuses and the information processing device connected to the apparatuses via the network.