Information Processing Apparatus Parallel Agreement Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information processing apparatuses, such as ink-jet printing devices, often require lengthy wait times for users when restarting or recovering from power-saving mode due to the need to reestablish communication with a server to reset usage agreements, leading to delayed processing under specific usage agreements.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus performs a simultaneous startup and agreement information rechecking sequence upon reactivation, allowing it to quickly determine the usage state and enable or restrict services based on subscription agreements, thereby minimizing user wait times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the information processing apparatus communicates with the server to reset or recheck agreement information upon restart or recovery from power-saving mode, then the usage agreement state is accurately restored, but the user experiences long wait times before desired processing can start
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary actions during the shutdown or power-saving entry process by storing necessary agreement information and communication state data in local storage. This preliminary preparation allows the system to resume operations more quickly without requiring complete re-verification of all agreement parameters upon restart, thus reducing user wait time while maintaining agreement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the apparatus periodically checks and updates its communication status with the server, and uses this feedback to intelligently determine the minimum necessary verification steps upon restart. Based on the feedback from previous communication states, the system can optimize the reconnection process, reducing unnecessary wait times while ensuring agreement information remains accurate.
2Reliability
If the apparatus performs sequential startup and agreement rechecking sequences, then each process is completed thoroughly, but the overall reactivation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the startup sequence and agreement rechecking sequence into a single integrated parallel process. Instead of completing one sequence fully before starting the other, the system executes both sequences simultaneously, sharing common resources and coordination mechanisms. This merging approach maintains the thoroughness of both processes while significantly reducing the total reactivation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that both the startup and agreement rechecking processes can proceed simultaneously without idle waiting periods. The parallel execution eliminates gaps where the system would otherwise be inactive, keeping computational resources continuously productive throughout the reactivation process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an information processing apparatus capable of performing appropriate processing wider a predetermined usage agreement. To this end, the information processing apparatus stores state information indicating whether the information processing apparatus is in a first state in which a predetermined service is unavailable or a second state in which the predetermined service is available. Moreover, the information processing apparatus communicates with a server and updates the stored state information based on the predetermined agreement information obtained from the server. In the case where the stored state information indicates the second state at a timing at which the information processing apparatus is reactivated or recovers from a power-saving mode, the information processing apparatus performs the processing of communicating with the server and updating the state information and the preparation processing for starting predetermined processing according to a received job in parallel.