Information Processing Apparatus Dynamic Data Transfer Route Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data transfer systems for digital cameras and PCs struggle to appropriately process data received via different routes, such as direct transfer and server-mediated transfer, leading to inefficiencies and potential data loss.

Innovation Solution

The system implements a method for a digital camera and PC to dynamically determine the optimal data transfer route, using pairing information and communication protocols like UPnP to prioritize direct transfer when possible, while ensuring data is transferred via the server if direct transfer is not feasible, thereby ensuring reliable and efficient data reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If data transfer is performed via direct route between communication apparatus and external apparatus, then transfer speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to handle multiple transfer routes appropriately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoiddata transfer reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer service application dynamically adapts its behavior based on the detected transfer route. When direct transfer is detected, it operates in direct transfer mode with optimized processing. When server-mediated transfer is detected, it switches to server transfer mode with appropriate handling procedures. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing for speed in direct transfers while maintaining reliability through proper route-specific processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a route detection mechanism that acts as an intermediary to identify whether data arrives via direct or server-mediated transfer. This intermediary component enables the system to appropriately handle each route type, ensuring reliability is maintained by selecting the correct processing mode while preserving the speed benefits of direct transfers when detected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If transfer service application queries server at regular intervals to check for new data, then data completeness is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The query interval is dynamically adjusted based on the transfer route detection results. When direct transfer is detected, the application can reduce query frequency since data arrival can be detected through direct communication channels. When server-mediated transfer is used, the application maintains regular querying to ensure data completeness. This dynamic adjustment reduces unnecessary time consumption while preserving data completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the transfer service application receives information about data arrival status from both direct transfer channels and server queries. This feedback allows the application to adjust its querying behavior - reducing queries when direct transfer feedback is available, and maintaining queries when server-mediated transfer is the only channel, thereby optimizing the balance between data completeness and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If transfer service application accepts requests from any communication apparatus, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to need to determine acceptance criteria

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer service versatilityVSAvoidrequest handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a pairing information verification mechanism as an intermediary layer between incoming transfer requests and the core transfer service logic. This intermediary checks whether the requesting communication apparatus has valid pairing information with the external apparatus, providing a clear acceptance criterion. This approach maintains versatility by allowing requests from any apparatus while reducing complexity through a standardized verification process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If data is transferred via server route, then reliability is improved through centralized management, but transfer speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoiddata transfer speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between direct transfer mode and server-mediated transfer mode based on detected conditions and pairing information. When direct transfer is feasible and detected, the system switches to direct mode for high-speed transfer. When server-mediated transfer is necessary or detected, it switches to server mode for reliable centralized management. This dynamic mode switching allows the system to optimize for speed when possible while maintaining reliability through server mediation when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3033683B1Information processing apparatus, control method therefor, and program
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 CANON KK
  • EP3033683B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3033683B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3033683B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

Data reception via an appropriate route is realized on an information processing apparatus that can receive data from a communication apparatus via one of a plurality of different routes, and in a control method therefor. If a first device has been discovered on a first network, data is received from the first device on the first network. If the data received from the first device on the first network is to be transferred from a second device existing on a second network, the data is uploaded onto the second device. At this time, whether or not data received by the first reception unit is to be transferred from the second device is determined in accordance with a setting at the time of the discovery of the first device.