Bidirectional Communication Path for Data Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data synchronization techniques between information processing apparatuses, such as multi-function devices and virtual devices, often fail to achieve synchronization when the host apparatus is in a power-saving state, leading to data mismatches and potential operational failures.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a bidirectional communication path in addition to the traditional synchronization path, allowing data synchronization to be initiated from either side, enabling the virtual device to request synchronization with the real device even when the real device is in a power-saving state, and controlling job execution based on the influence of update data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unidirectional synchronization path (host-only initiation) is used, then the system structure is simple, but data synchronization cannot be achieved when the host apparatus is in power-saving state
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is segmented into two distinct types: a unidirectional synchronization path (for normal operations) and a bidirectional communication path (for power-saving state synchronization). This segmentation allows each path to serve its specific purpose optimally without complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A path management unit acts as an intermediary that manages multiple communication paths between the host apparatus and different information processing apparatus. It dynamically selects and switches between the synchronization path and communication path based on the host's power state, enabling reliable synchronization regardless of power conditions.
2Reliability
If the host apparatus continuously maintains active state for synchronization, then data synchronization reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional communication path is established in advance during active states, and synchronization data is pre-fetched or prepared. When the host enters power-saving mode, the different information processing apparatus can utilize this pre-established path to initiate synchronization without requiring the host to remain active.
Solution Approach 2:
The different information processing apparatus is empowered to autonomously initiate synchronization requests via the bidirectional communication path when detecting that the host is in power-saving state. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the host to continuously monitor and initiate synchronization, reducing its power consumption while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional communication path is established, then synchronization can be initiated from either side, but communication path management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The path management unit is designed with multi-functionality, handling both unidirectional synchronization path management and bidirectional communication path management through a unified interface. It can dynamically switch between paths and modes, providing versatile synchronization initiation capabilities while abstracting away the underlying complexity from other system components.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus that serves as a host apparatus that achieves synchronization of data with a different information processing apparatus by causing the different information processing apparatus to transmit the data in response to a request made via a synchronization path, communication through which is startable only from a side of the host apparatus, includes: a processor configured to: establish a communication path between the different information processing apparatus and the host apparatus, separately from the synchronization path, by transmitting a path establishment request to the different information processing apparatus via the synchronization path, communication through the communication path being startable from either side; and achieve the data synchronization in response to an instruction for the data synchronization in a case where the instruction is provided from the different information processing apparatus via the communication path.