Information Processing Apparatus External Arithmetic Device Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Embedded systems face limitations in extensible hardware, leading to insufficient processing performance, necessitating replacement of the main information processing apparatus when existing performance is inadequate.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that detects and utilizes external arithmetic devices to perform arithmetic operations, transferring data and results to enhance processing capabilities without replacing the main apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the processing performance of the information processing apparatus is insufficient, then the embedded system requires a new information processing apparatus, but this increases device complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can execute arithmetic operations independently and also collaborate with external arithmetic devices. The control unit dynamically determines whether to perform arithmetic operations internally or transfer data to external devices, making the system universally adaptable to different performance requirements without hardware replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines internal processing capabilities with external arithmetic devices to create a hybrid system. The control unit merges the functionality of the built-in processor with external general-purpose devices, allowing the system to leverage both internal and external resources for arithmetic operations, thereby improving performance without replacing the core apparatus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If extensible hardware is limited to those dedicated to the embedded system, then the system maintains stability, but processing performance cannot be improved without replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing performanceVSAvoidhardware extensibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed with universal communication capabilities that can interface with both dedicated embedded hardware and general-purpose external arithmetic devices. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain stability with existing dedicated hardware while also being adaptable to connect with external devices for enhanced performance when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its architecture by switching between using internal dedicated hardware and external general-purpose devices based on performance requirements. The control unit can dynamically determine whether to perform arithmetic operations internally or transfer data to external devices, making the system adaptable to varying computational demands without physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If data is transferred to external arithmetic devices, then processing power is enhanced, but data transfer time and communication overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing powerVSAvoiddata transfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary assessment before transferring data to external devices. It determines in advance whether an arithmetic operation should be performed internally or externally, and prepares data transfer only when necessary. This preliminary determination minimizes unnecessary data transfer operations and reduces overall communication overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit monitors arithmetic operation requirements and performance metrics. Based on this feedback, it dynamically decides whether to transfer data to external devices or perform operations internally, optimizing the balance between processing power enhancement and minimizing data transfer time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11533410B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program to perform arithmetic operation by using connected arithmetic device
Publication Date: 2022.12.20 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US11533410B2 patent drawing
  • US11533410B2 patent drawing
  • US11533410B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a detection unit that detects a connection of an arithmetic device, a specifying unit that specifies an arithmetic operation capable of being performed by the arithmetic device, a transfer unit that transfers data used in the arithmetic operation to the arithmetic device in a case where the specified arithmetic operation is determined to be performed by the information processing apparatus before the connection, and an acquisition unit that acquires a result obtained by the arithmetic device performing the arithmetic operation using the data.