VNC Connection Management for Multi-User Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote operation systems for image processing apparatuses often limit the number of users who can remotely operate the apparatus to one, causing other users to be unable to establish a VNC connection if the initial user forgets to disconnect their VNC connection.
Innovation Solution
The system allows another user to remotely operate the apparatus even if the previous user has finished using the remote operation function but has not stopped it, by automatically disconnecting the VNC connection if the mobile terminal's MFP application transitions to the background state after a predetermined time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system limits the number of VNC connections to one user at a time, then security and control are improved, but usability deteriorates when the first user forgets to disconnect
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary disconnection action automatically when the VNC client application transitions to background state. The connection is disconnected after a predetermined time elapses since transitioning to background, preventing the need for manual disconnection by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the state of the VNC client application and provides feedback by automatically disconnecting when the application is no longer in foreground state. This feedback mechanism ensures the connection status matches the user's actual usage state.
2Productivity
If the VNC connection remains established after use, then the user can quickly resume operations, but other users cannot establish connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically disconnects the VNC connection when the client application transitions to background state, performing the disconnection action before another user needs to connect. This preliminary action resolves the conflict between maintaining connection for quick resumption and allowing multi-user access.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection state dynamically changes based on the application's foreground/background state. The system adapts the connection status to match the user's actual usage state, disconnecting automatically when the application is no longer active in foreground.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automatic disconnection is implemented after background transition, then multi-user access is improved, but connection stability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system disconnects the VNC connection after a predetermined time elapses since the application transitioned to background state. This delayed disconnection maintains stability during brief background transitions while enabling multi-user access when the application is genuinely no longer in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection stability is dynamically managed by monitoring application state transitions. The system maintains connection during intentional background periods but automatically disconnects after a timeout, balancing stability with multi-user accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method for an information processing apparatus configured to communicate with an image processing apparatus. The method includes displaying a screen of an application, wherein the screen corresponds to a screen displayed on a display unit of the image processing apparatus and is subjected to display control by the image processing apparatus, and transmitting an instruction to stop the display control to the image processing apparatus if a predetermined condition is satisfied in a state where the application is no longer operating as a user's operation target on the information processing apparatus.