Image Synchronization Using Group ID Matching and Visibility Flags

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Solution Overview

Problem

In online photo systems, users face cumbersome processes when uploading or deleting images from servers, as existing synchronization methods require manual selection and confirmation of images across local PCs and servers, lacking user control over public visibility.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that groups contents for transmission and synchronization, using identification information to compare and synchronize only relevant groups, allowing users to control public visibility without manual selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all images in the local PC are uploaded to the server, then synchronization between local PC and server is achieved, but user control over public visibility is lost and unnecessary images are uploaded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization completenessVSAvoiduser control over visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically comparing identification information before synchronization, determining which images need to be uploaded or deleted based on pre-established identification data, thereby avoiding manual selection while maintaining user intent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual selection and confirmation of images is required, then user control over public visibility is maintained, but the synchronization process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control over visibilityVSAvoidsynchronization time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically comparing identification information between local PC and server, determining which images to upload or delete without requiring user intervention, thereby reducing both time loss and maintaining user control through pre-configured identification data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If identification information is compared for each image individually, then precise synchronization control is achieved, but system complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the comparison process by comparing identification information collectively to determine group-level synchronization needs, then applying synchronization to matched groups, thereby maintaining precision while reducing system complexity through batch processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7899880B2Information processing apparatus, method, program, and storage medium for synchronizing content

Publication Date: 2011.03.01 CANON KK

AI summary

This invention is to ensure synchronization between images in an information apparatus with those in an external device without bothering a user while reflecting the user's intension of whether to make an image open to the public. Only images in groups with the same group ID are synchronized without synchronizing albums in the information apparatus with albums in the external device. In addition synchronization processing is controlled by switching a flag indicating a flag to inhibit upload to the Web server.