Relay Apparatus Format Conversion for Incompatible Content
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices face challenges in processing electronic files of incompatible formats stored on servers, as they lack the capability to handle formats other than those specifically supported, limiting their ability to acquire and process content from servers providing diverse file formats.
Innovation Solution
A relay apparatus is introduced that communicates with both the server and the terminal, receiving identification information to determine the format of the content and either transmitting it as is or converting it to a compatible format, ensuring the terminal can process the content regardless of the server's format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a communication apparatus directly downloads electronic files from a server, then the operation is simple and fast, but the apparatus cannot process files in incompatible formats
Solution Approach 1:
A relay apparatus is introduced as an intermediary between the server and the communication apparatus. The relay apparatus receives file format information from the server, determines compatibility with the terminal's capabilities, and either allows direct download or initiates format conversion. This mediator resolves the contradiction by adding format compatibility checking and conversion capabilities without complicating the user's download operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the relay apparatus checks and converts all file formats, then format compatibility is ensured, but the processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay apparatus performs format compatibility checking selectively rather than universally. It only initiates format conversion when the server's file format is determined to be incompatible with the terminal's processing capabilities. For compatible formats, the apparatus allows direct download without conversion, thus avoiding unnecessary processing time while still ensuring compatibility when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the relay apparatus converts files to compatible formats, then the terminal can process any file, but the conversion process adds complexity and resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The relay apparatus serves as a specialized intermediary that concentrates the format conversion capability in a single location. Rather than requiring every communication apparatus to have built-in conversion capabilities for all possible formats, the complexity is localized to the relay apparatus, which mediates between the server and various terminals with different format requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple file formats natively, then format versatility is improved, but the device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring communication apparatuses to natively support multiple file formats, the system uses a relay apparatus as an intermediary that handles format conversion. This approach maintains format versatility while keeping individual communication apparatuses simple, as they only need to handle their native format and rely on the relay for format translation.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay apparatus configured to communicate with a server which transmits contents corresponding to identification information received by the server, and a terminal which acquires the contents corresponding to the identification information, the relay apparatus comprises: a communication unit configured to communicate with the server and the terminal; and a processor configured to: receive first identification information from the server through the communication unit; determine whether first contents corresponding to the received first identification information complies with a first format or a second format; transmit the first identification information to the terminal through the communication unit if the processor determines that the first contents complies with the first format; and transmits, to the terminal through the communication unit, second identification information corresponding to second contents which is acquired by converting the first contents if the processor determines that the first contents complies with the second format.