Networked Device Coordination Without Central Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home network coordination systems require a home server to manage device coordination, leading to difficulties when no server is present or when device information is outdated, causing challenges in coordinating devices without pre-existing information.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that receives and displays function information from external devices, allowing user-selected functions to be executed without relying on a server, using a receiving section, display section, and coordinate function executing section to facilitate coordination between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a home server is used to coordinate devices, then device coordination can be achieved, but the system becomes dependent on the server and cannot coordinate devices when no server is present
Solution Approach 1:
Each device stores coordination information locally in its own storage unit, enabling devices to coordinate with each other independently without requiring a central home server. The device that receives a coordination request executes the function directly using its own stored information, making the system self-sufficient and adaptable to environments without a server.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device information is stored locally in each device, then server independence is achieved, but information may become outdated when devices are replaced
Solution Approach 1:
When a device is replaced or new coordination information becomes available, the system automatically updates the storage unit in the receiving device with the latest function information. This feedback mechanism ensures that locally stored information remains current and accurate, resolving the issue of outdated information while maintaining server independence.
3Ease of operation
If a home server manages coordination information, then centralized control is achieved, but the system complexity increases and requires additional updating mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination system is segmented so that each device independently stores and manages its own coordination information in local storage units. Instead of one centralized server managing all information, the system distributes the management function across multiple devices, reducing overall system complexity and eliminating the need for complex server-based updating mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an information processing apparatus including: a receiving section that receives function information about one or more functions from an external device connected via a network; a display section that displays a list of the functions of the external device, the functions being included in the function information; a selected-information acquiring section that acquires selected information pertaining to a function selected by a user from the list of the functions displayed by the display section; and a coordinate function executing section that causes the external device to execute the function selected by the user. Such a configuration provides the information processing apparatus designed such that even if the information processing apparatus and the external device do not have information about each other, the function of the external device can be executed by operating the information processing apparatus.