Multiple access prevention for datagram-based control protocols method

摘要

A method of preventing multiple client access by datagram-based control protocols on a network (14) having a scan peripheral (16) and a server (10). The server (10) utilizes a connectionless protocol for communicating control data and a connection oriented protocol for communicating scan data. A first client (12) sends an open connection request to the server (10) in an attempt to open a connection with the server (10). The server (10) checks to determine if a connection with another client is currently open. Thereafter, the server (10) rejects the open connection request in the event a connection is currently open. The server (10) accepts the connection request and storing predetermined client information in the event a connection with another client is not currently open. The client (12) sends a datagram-based protocol request for a predetermined action to the server (10). Next, the server (10) determines if the predetermined action is a protected action and whether the request is from the client (12) that has the currently open connection. Additionally, the server (10) sends an error message to any client not having a currently open connection which makes a datagram-based protocol request for a protected action. The server (10) processes a datagram-based protocol request when made by the client (12) having a currently open connection. One of the client and the server closes the open connection upon completion of an activity.