Information Processing Device Pass-Through Switching During Power Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems fail to maintain communication between IoT devices and a host device when a problem occurs in the information processing apparatus.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a photo relay switch and a control part to manage operation modes, including energy saving and pass-through modes, ensuring communication continuity by switching to these modes when power supply issues arise, and the host device is informed to handle data without decryption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the information processing apparatus operates in normal mode to ensure security through decryption, then communication security is improved, but communication continuity deteriorates when power supply fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidcommunication continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus dynamically switches between multiple operation modes (normal mode, energy saving mode, and pass-through mode) based on power supply status. The control unit monitors power supply conditions and transitions between modes to maintain communication continuity while balancing security requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between security and continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different modes of operation. In energy saving mode, the apparatus reduces processing intensity to maintain security with lower power consumption. In pass-through mode, it changes the decryption parameter to bypass security processing, allowing continuous communication when power is insufficient for full security operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the information processing apparatus operates in energy saving mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically adjusts the operation mode based on real-time power supply status and communication requirements. When power is abundant, the system operates in normal mode for full security processing. When power becomes constrained, it transitions to energy saving mode to reduce consumption while maintaining acceptable communication reliability through reduced but continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

In energy saving mode, the apparatus performs partial security processing rather than complete decryption, maintaining sufficient reliability for the given power constraints while reducing energy consumption. This partial action approach allows the system to maintain basic communication functionality with reduced power requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the information processing apparatus operates in pass-through mode to maintain communication continuity, then communication continuity is improved, but security protection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication continuityVSAvoidsecurity protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between normal mode (full security processing) and pass-through mode (no decryption) based on power supply conditions. When power is sufficient, it operates in normal mode for maximum security. When power fails or is severely constrained, it switches to pass-through mode to maintain communication continuity, accepting reduced security protection as a trade-off for maintaining connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of power failure into a beneficial mode switch to pass-through mode. Rather than completely failing when power is insufficient for security processing, the system uses the power constraint as a trigger to switch to a mode that prioritizes continuity over maximum security, turning the limitation into a functional advantage for maintaining communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If the information processing apparatus performs complete decryption to ensure security, then security protection is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically adjusts the level of security processing based on available power supply. When power is abundant, it performs complete decryption for maximum security protection. When power becomes constrained, it reduces the scope of decryption operations or switches to pass-through mode, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining acceptable security levels for the given conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs partial decryption or reduced security processing when power is constrained, rather than attempting complete decryption. This partial action approach maintains sufficient security protection for the available power while avoiding the excessive power consumption that would result from full decryption operations under constrained power conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures continuous communication between IoT devices and the host device by adapting operation modes to maintain data transmission even when the power supply fails, allowing the system to recover from faults.

Implementation Method 1

a photo relay switch and a control part to manage operation modes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhoto relay switch: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3839698B1Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing method
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP3839698B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3839698B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3839698B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment, an information processing apparatus comprises a device interface, a network interface, a power supply part, a battery and a control part. A power supply part is configured to supply electric power from an external power supply. A control part is configured to: perform a conversion process on data from a terminal device, and transmit the data to a network; and when the power supply from the power supply part is stopped, transmit, to another information processing apparatus through the network interface, a first message indicating that a pass-through mode in which data is relayed between the terminal device and the network without being subjected to the conversion process is set, and set the pass-through mode.