Web Service Apparatus Networked Device Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses connected via a network cannot fully utilize the multifunctional capabilities of connected devices for various processes such as copying and printing, as they lack the ability to control and coordinate these functions effectively across different apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A Web service providing apparatus that includes a server processing part, a condition acquisition control part, and a service providing part, using protocols like SOAP to manage and execute process requests across connected devices, enabling the determination and application of appropriate process conditions for target information, thus allowing for comprehensive image processing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional image forming apparatuses are connected via a network to enable image output, then image output capability is improved, but the ability to perform various processes (copying, printing) on documents stored in connected apparatuses is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The Web service providing apparatus enables a single apparatus to perform multiple functions by accessing and processing documents stored in connected apparatuses. The system can perform copying, printing, and other processes on documents from different sources, making the apparatus universal rather than dedicated to a single function.
Solution Approach 2:
The Web service providing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the network-connected apparatuses and the user. It receives process requests, determines appropriate process conditions by acquiring information from connected apparatuses, and executes the processes, thereby mediating the interaction between multiple devices.
2Ease of operation
If the Web service providing apparatus acquires process conditions from connected apparatuses, then operational flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connected apparatuses provide their own process condition information (such as supported document types, storage capacity, and processing capabilities) automatically when queried by the Web service providing apparatus. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for manual configuration and simplifies the overall system operation despite the increased functionality.
3Productivity
If the apparatus performs processes on target information from connected apparatuses, then productivity is improved, but the requirement for condition acquisition and coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Web service providing apparatus acquires necessary process conditions (such as document format compatibility, storage availability, and processing capabilities) before executing the actual process. This preliminary action ensures that when a process request is received, the apparatus can immediately execute it without delays for condition checking, thereby improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A Web service providing apparatus is disclosed for controlling a sequence of processes to cause a Web service providing apparatus to copy or print out a target document stored therein to another Web service providing apparatus in cooperation with the Web service providing apparatuses and a terminal connected to each other via a communication network. The Web service providing apparatus includes a server processing part controlling receipt of a process request from a connected requesting apparatus and transmission of a process response corresponding to the process request to the requesting apparatus in accordance with a predetermined protocol; a condition acquisition control part controlling acquisition of target information designated by the process request based on a first processable condition; and a service providing part performing the requested process and sending a result of the process to the server processing part.