Web Service Registration for Image Processors via Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatus registration methods for web services require internet connectivity, limiting registration capabilities when the apparatus is not connected to a network.
Innovation Solution
An information processing method that allows registration of an image processing apparatus for a web service by obtaining identification information from the apparatus, communicating with a management server to obtain a unique identifier, and transmitting a registration request to a web service server, enabling registration without network connectivity through direct communication via USB, Wi-Fi Direct, or Bluetooth Low Energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image processing apparatus is connected to the Internet for web service registration, then the registration can be performed using network communication, but the registration cannot be performed when the apparatus is not connected to the Internet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary information processing apparatus (such as a smartphone or terminal device) that mediates between the image processing apparatus and the web service server. This intermediary collects identification information from the image processing apparatus via direct communication (USB, Wi-Fi Direct, or Bluetooth Low Energy) and then performs the web service registration on behalf of the image processing apparatus through network communication, thus resolving the contradiction by allowing registration capability without requiring the image processing apparatus itself to have Internet connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the web service registration process into two distinct parts: (1) identification information collection performed by the intermediary through direct communication with the image processing apparatus, and (2) actual web service registration performed by the intermediary through network communication with the web service server. This segmentation allows the image processing apparatus to participate in registration without requiring its own network connectivity, as only the intermediary needs Internet access for the registration step.
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct communication without network is used for registration, then registration can be performed without Internet connectivity, but the identification information cannot be verified against the management server
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary information processing apparatus serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between direct communication and server verification. It collects identification information from the image processing apparatus via direct communication channels (USB, Wi-Fi Direct, or Bluetooth Low Energy) and then uses its own network connection to communicate with the management server for verification. This resolves the contradiction by separating the data collection function (performed via direct communication) from the verification function (performed via network communication by the intermediary).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the intermediary apparatus prepare and transmit the identification information collected from the image processing apparatus to the management server before the actual web service registration takes place. This preliminary transmission and verification step ensures that the identification information is validated against the management server's records before the image processing apparatus is officially registered for the web service, thereby maintaining reliability even though the image processing apparatus itself lacks network connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing method including: obtaining first identification information from an image processing apparatus through communication by use of a first communication unit, which is configured to communicate with the image processing apparatus without a network, the first identification information identifying the image processing apparatus; obtaining second identification information transmitted from a management server, which is configured to manage status information transmitted from the image processing apparatus through the network, in response to transmission of the first identification to the management server through the network, the second identification information identifying the image processing apparatus; and transmitting a request, to a server that provides a web service, for performing registration regarding the image processing apparatus based on the second identification information.