Network Management Apparatus Role Assignment for Photographing Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photographing network systems face challenges in maintaining network stability when the network management apparatus is absent, as they do not effectively consider both the master/slave relationships in the network and photographic operations simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A network management apparatus and method that dynamically adjusts the roles of flash units within a wireless network, allowing a master apparatus to manage the network and control photographic operations, with slave units receiving commands, and enabling seamless role changes to maintain network stability even if the management apparatus leaves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the network management apparatus determines roles independently for each system (network system and photographing system), then the role assignment is simple and straightforward, but the network stability deteriorates when the management apparatus is absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the role determination of network system and photographing system into a unified hierarchy. The network management apparatus first determines the photographing system master apparatus, which then determines the network system master apparatus. This merged approach ensures that when one management apparatus is absent, the other can maintain system operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple role assignment and network stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a predetermined hierarchical relationship between the two systems before actual operation. The photographing system master apparatus is determined first, and based on this, the network system master apparatus is determined. This preliminary action creates a backup mechanism where if the network management apparatus fails, the photographing system master can take over network management functions, maintaining stability without increasing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system maintains independent master/slave relationships for both network and photographing systems, then each system can operate autonomously, but the overall system adaptability deteriorates when management apparatus leaves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the photographing system master apparatus capable of dual functions: controlling photographing operations and serving as the network management apparatus. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt when the dedicated network management apparatus is absent, as the photographing master can take over network management responsibilities, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic role transition capability where apparatuses can switch between different roles (network management apparatus, photographing system master, slave apparatus) based on system needs and apparatus availability. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain functionality even when management apparatus leave, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention provides a network management apparatus (101) for appropriately managing a photographing network. A plurality of apparatuses including a master apparatus (101, 202) that issues a control command to control a photographic operation and a slave apparatus (204, 205) that executes the control command belong to the photographing network. The network management apparatus preferentially determines, out of the plurality of apparatuses belonging to the photographing network, a master apparatus as a candidate apparatus that becomes a new network management apparatus in a case that the network management apparatus is disconnected from the photographing network managed by the network management apparatus itself.