Device Management via Connection State Polling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing device management systems fail to appropriately manage information on locally connected devices when the connection state between the information processing device and the local information device changes, often transmitting outdated information due to disconnections or changes in device status.

Innovation Solution

The system implements a device management apparatus and information processing device that monitor the connection state through periodic polling and communication checks, deleting outdated information and updating device records when a local information device goes offline or changes status, ensuring accurate and timely data is transmitted to the device management apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the information processing device uses local connection (USB) to manage local information devices, then device management capability is improved, but connection stability deteriorates when the local connection is disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice management capabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing device periodically transmits polling signals to the local information device and detects communication status based on the presence or absence of response signals. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically detect connection status changes and update device information accordingly, resolving the reliability issue when local connections are disconnected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively transmits polling signals at predetermined intervals before actual device status changes affect management operations. By performing preliminary detection of connection status, the system can update device information in advance, preventing the transmission of outdated information and maintaining reliable device management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the device management apparatus periodically polls for device information, then information accuracy is improved, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accuracyVSAvoidcommunication overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuously transmitting polling signals, the system performs periodic polling at predetermined intervals. This partial action approach maintains sufficient information accuracy by updating device status at appropriate intervals while significantly reducing communication overhead compared to continuous monitoring, thus resolving the contradiction between information accuracy and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3544234B1Information processing device and device management apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3544234B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3544234B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3544234B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing device (150) includes a determination unit (12, 278), an information transmission unit (12, 264), and an information deletion unit (12, 264). The determination unit (12, 278) determines a connection state between the information processing device (150) and an information device (194) locally connected to the information processing device (150). The information transmission unit (12, 264) transmits, to a device management apparatus (120) connected to the information processing device (150) through a network, information on the information device (194) acquired from the information device (194) when the connection state is a first state. The information deletion unit (12, 264) deletes the information on the information device (194) managed by the information processing device (150) when the connection state is a second state.