Patent ID: 8819159
Filing Date: 2014-08-26
Classification: H04L,H04N

Abstract:
1. A data management apparatus comprising: a memory storing a program; and a processor configured to execute the program stored in the memory, wherein when executing the program stored in the memory the processor comprises: an operation unit configured to accept an instruction from a user; a service providing unit configured to provide a first service which transmits image data to an external apparatus on a network, under the control of the external apparatus; a service retrieval unit configured to detect the external apparatus providing a second service which processes, under the control of the data management apparatus, the image data transmitted from the data management apparatus; a service controlling unit configured to control the external apparatus detected by the service retrieval unit such that the external apparatus provides the second service; and a switching unit configured to switch among states of the data management apparatus, wherein the states of the data management apparatus include: (a) a first state that deactivates the service controlling unit and activates the service providing unit, wherein in the first state, the service providing unit provides an image service which enables the external apparatus to control the function of the data management apparatus, (b) a second state that activates the service controlling unit and the service providing unit, wherein in the second state, the service controlling unit controls the image service of the external apparatus, and (c) a third state that activates the service controlling unit and deactivates the service providing unit, wherein the service controlling unit controls the image service by the external apparatus, wherein if the service retrieval unit does not detect the existence of an external apparatus capable of providing the second service, then the switching unit switches to the first state, wherein if the service retrieval unit detects the existence of an external apparatus capable of providing the second service, then the switching unit switches to the second state or the third state, and wherein if the operation unit accepts an operation in the second state, then the switching unit switches to the third state, and wherein a processor and a memory are included in the data management apparatus upon receiving the instruction from the user.