Digital Shadow Synchronization via Proximity Relay

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Solution Overview

Problem

In digital shadow technology, synchronization between a device and its virtual representation on a cloud server is hindered when direct communication is not possible due to network settings issues, causing disruptions in the functionality of the digital shadow.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that includes a first device, its virtual device, a second device within proximity, and its virtual device, where nearby device information and recovery connection information are transmitted to enable communication and synchronization even when direct communication is not possible, utilizing short-range communication methods like WiFi-Direct, Bluetooth Low Energy, or NFC.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If direct communication is used between device and virtual device for synchronization, then communication efficiency is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates when network settings are incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second device as an intermediary to establish an indirect communication path between the first device and first virtual device. When direct communication fails, the second device receives data from the first device and forwards it to the first virtual device, ensuring communication reliability while maintaining efficiency through the alternative path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes connection information with a second device before direct communication fails. By having backup connection details ready in advance, the system can quickly switch to indirect communication through the second device when network settings prevent direct communication, maintaining both reliability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If firewall protection is implemented on device to secure network, then security is improved, but communication capability deteriorates from shadow to device

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcommunication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of attempting to make the firewall allow incoming connections from the virtual device to the first device, the patent inverts the approach by having the second device initiate connections to the first device. This reverses the communication direction to work within firewall constraints while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The second device acts as a mediator that receives data from the first device and transmits it to the first virtual device. This intermediary approach allows data to bypass the firewall restriction that blocks direct incoming connections to the first device, thereby restoring communication capability without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If backup communication path through second device is established, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second device performs multiple functions: it acts as a normal device for its own operations and simultaneously serves as a relay for data transmission between the first device and first virtual device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated backup infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages the backup communication path without requiring manual intervention. When direct communication fails, the system autonomously routes data through the second device using pre-stored connection information, and automatically updates when direct communication is restored, thereby managing complexity through automation rather than manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240323302A1Information processing system and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program

Publication Date: 2024.09.26 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing system including a first device, a first virtual device, a second device, and a second virtual device, includes one or a plurality of processors configured to cause the first device to transmit nearby device information for specifying the second device, and recovery connection information used in a case where the second device connects to the first device, to the first virtual device, the first virtual device to transmit recovery connection information to the second virtual device corresponding to the second device indicated by nearby device information received from the first device, in a case where communication with the first device is not possible, the second virtual device to transmit the recovery connection information received from the first virtual device to the second device, and the second device to attempt to connect to the first device by using the recovery connection information received from the second virtual device.