Networked Power Supply Information Mediator for Device Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems do not provide information on lendable electric power supply devices, making it difficult for users to find and borrow such devices, especially for temporary needs like auto-camping or emergencies.
Innovation Solution
An information providing apparatus and method that allows users to request and receive information on lendable electric power supply devices via a network, including their location, lending price, and availability, through a server connected to both the user's terminal and the electric power supply devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a system provides information on lendable electric power supply devices through a network, then users can easily find and access such devices for temporary power needs, but the system requires complex infrastructure including servers, network communication, and data management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an information providing apparatus as an intermediary between electric power supply devices and users. This mediator collects device information (location, availability, pricing) and transmits it via network to user terminals, enabling easy device discovery without requiring users to directly interact with complex device management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the information providing apparatus continuously receives updates from electric power supply devices about their status (availability, remaining power, pricing changes) and relays this information to users. This real-time feedback loop maintains information accuracy while keeping the system architecture relatively simple
2Loss of time
If real-time information on device availability and pricing is provided to users, then users can make informed decisions quickly, but the system requires continuous network communication and data updates increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The information providing apparatus pre-collects and stores essential device information (location, device type, pricing structure) before users need it. This preliminary data preparation allows the system to quickly respond to user queries without performing complex real-time calculations, reducing both response time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides partial information updates - only transmitting changes in device status (availability changes, pricing updates) rather than continuously sending all device data. This selective updating approach reduces network traffic and processing requirements while still providing timely information to users
Data Source
AI summary
An information providing apparatus provides information concerning a lendable electric power supply device. More specifically, the information providing apparatus for providing information via a network in response to a request from a terminal, performs the following processes. The apparatus receives, from the terminal via the network, an information request concerning a lendable electric power supply device configured to supply electric power, acquires information concerning electric power that can be provided by the electric power supply device and a lending price of the electric power supply device by communicating with the electric power supply device via the network. The apparatus further edits, based on the acquired information, information to be provided to the terminal that has issued the information request, and transmits the edited information to the terminal that has issued the information request via the network.