File Processing System Server Mediator for Communication Failure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file processing systems fail to facilitate the transmission of files from a terminal apparatus to an information processing apparatus when direct communication is disrupted, such as due to Wi-Fi connection errors between smartphones and multicopy machines.
Innovation Solution
A file processing system that includes a terminal apparatus with a file transmitting unit and a server connected to both the terminal and information processing apparatuses, allowing files to be transmitted through the server when direct communication is not possible, and a process control unit in the information processing apparatus to manage file processing even in the absence of direct communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If direct communication is used between terminal apparatus and information processing apparatus, then communication speed and simplicity are improved, but communication reliability deteriorates when connection fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the terminal apparatus and information processing apparatus. When direct communication fails, the server receives files from the terminal apparatus and transfers them to the information processing apparatus, ensuring file delivery even when direct connection is unavailable. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by providing an alternative communication path without compromising the speed of direct communication when available.
2Reliability
If alternative transmission route through server is prepared, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a simple intermediary that performs basic file reception and transfer functions. The terminal apparatus and information processing apparatus maintain their original simple structures, while the server handles the complexity of alternative routing. This approach improves reliability by providing backup communication paths without significantly increasing the complexity of the main system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures the server as a backup transmission route before communication failures occur. The terminal apparatus is designed with the capability to switch to server-mediated transmission when direct communication fails, without requiring complex real-time decision-making or reconfiguration. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by establishing reliability measures in advance while keeping the system structure relatively simple.
3Reliability
If server-mediated file transmission is implemented, then file delivery capability is improved under communication failure, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the communication path based on real-time connection status. When direct communication is available, files are transmitted directly for fast delivery. When direct communication fails, the system switches to server-mediated transmission to ensure delivery. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by minimizing transmission time when possible while ensuring file delivery capability when communication failures occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A file processing system includes an information processing apparatus, a terminal apparatus that has a process instructing function for directly transmitting a file to be processed to the information processing apparatus and executing a process, by a user, and a server that is connected to the terminal apparatus and the information processing apparatus through a network, in which the terminal apparatus includes a file transmitting unit that transmits a file to the server, in a case where the process instructing function is not capable of being used due to a failure of communication with the information processing apparatuses, and the file processing system further includes a transfer control unit that controls transfer of the file transmitted to the server, to the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus includes a process control unit that controls a process of the file acquired from the terminal apparatus through the server, in a case where the process instructing function is not capable of being used due to the failure of communication with the information processing apparatuses.