Information Processing Apparatus Function Extension via External Device Attributes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques fail to extend the functionality of an apparatus by treating a function of an external device as its own, limiting cooperative processing between devices.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that acquire and utilize attribute and connection information from external objects to extend its functions by connecting to corresponding devices, enabling the use of external device functions as if they were native.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing techniques for sharing information between devices are employed, then information for mutual recognition can be shared between devices, but the functionality of external devices cannot be extended to the apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality extensionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the external device's function within the apparatus by acquiring attribute information from the external object and generating corresponding virtual function information. This allows the apparatus to extend its functionality without physically incorporating the external device, resolving the contradiction between functionality extension and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces attribute information as an intermediary that bridges the apparatus and external devices. By acquiring and processing this attribute information, the apparatus can recognize and utilize external device functions without direct physical connection or integration, enabling functionality extension while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus integrates multiple external device functions, then the versatility of the apparatus is enhanced, but the complexity of managing multiple devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple external device functions into a unified virtual function set within the apparatus. By acquiring attribute information from multiple external objects and integrating their functions through the function information generation unit, the apparatus achieves functional versatility while presenting a simplified unified interface to users, resolving the contradiction between versatility and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11329873B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and information processing system

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided an information processing apparatus including an acquisition control unit configured to acquire information on function extension from an external object, the information on the function extension including attribute information indicating a function of a device and connection information relating to a connection to the device, and a function control unit configured to extend a function of the information processing apparatus based on the acquired attribute information, connect to a device corresponding to the extended function based on the acquired connection information, and enable the extended function.