Hot Folder File Processing Delay Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

When files are copied between different operating systems using a hot folder, there is a delay in starting a file lock, leading to inappropriate processing results as the hot folder program mistakenly recognizes the file as not locked during the copy operation.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that includes a hot folder monitoring module which polls the hot folder, stands by for a predetermined period after detecting unlocked files, and acquires job data to ensure accurate processing, even across different OSs, by setting a standby time and comparing file sizes to determine the completion of the copy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the hot folder program checks file lock status immediately after file copy starts, then processing speed is improved, but processing accuracy deteriorates due to delayed file lock initiation between different OSs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidprocessing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by checking whether the source file still exists after a predetermined period following detection of an unlocked file in the hot folder. If the source file has been deleted (indicating copy completion), the file is then processed. This preliminary existence check ensures that processing only occurs after the copy operation is truly complete, resolving the contradiction between immediate processing speed and processing accuracy by introducing a time-based preliminary verification step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If periodic polling is used to detect job data input, then detection reliability is improved, but time loss increases due to continuous polling overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidtime loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing a predetermined period wait time after detecting an unlocked file before checking again for source file existence. This periodic checking mechanism balances detection reliability with time efficiency, avoiding continuous polling while ensuring that the copy operation is complete before processing. The periodic action occurs only when necessary (upon detecting unlocked files) rather than continuously, reducing time loss while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2469400B1Information processing apparatus, information processing method and storage medium storing program
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 CANON KK
  • EP2469400B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2469400B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2469400B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

When it is detected that a file has been stored in a hot folder, an apparatus stands by for a predetermined period of time not to process the file based on settings associated with the hot folder. When the predetermined period of time elapses, the apparatus processes the file based on the settings associated with the hot folder.