Relay Device Protocol Conversion for Storage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing devices face challenges in efficiently managing and storing system images for diverse client PCs, requiring large storage capacity and complex management, especially when client PCs of different models need to be supported.
Innovation Solution
A relay device and method that utilize different communication protocols (TCP for reliable packet transmission with the delivery server and UDP for client PCs) to relay data, allowing the delivery server to manage system images centrally and reducing storage needs in the relay device by requesting retransmissions from the server instead of storing entire system images locally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If system images are stored in the relay device for multiple client PC models, then service continuity can be maintained when clients are disconnected, but storage capacity requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the system image storage function from the relay device and relocates it to external servers. The relay device no longer stores complete system images locally, but instead retrieves them from servers when needed, thereby reducing local storage requirements while maintaining service capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces servers as intermediary storage entities between the relay device and client PCs. The servers store the system images and provide them to the relay device on demand, acting as a mediator that eliminates the need for the relay device to maintain large local storage capacity.
2Device complexity
If system images are stored centrally on external servers, then storage management becomes simpler, but communication reliability may be compromised without local caching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the relay device monitors communication status with external servers and client PCs. When disconnections or errors are detected, the device can request retransmission of acknowledgment packets, ensuring reliable data transfer despite the absence of local system image caching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing communication protocols and error handling mechanisms before actual data transfer occurs. The relay device prepares retransmission capabilities and status monitoring in advance, ensuring reliability is maintained even when relying on external server storage.
3Productivity
If different communication protocols are used for different communication paths, then communication efficiency is improved, but error detection and handling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different communication protocols (TCP and UDP) to different communication paths based on their specific requirements. TCP is used for reliable communication with servers where data integrity is critical, while UDP is used for faster communication with client PCs where speed is prioritized. This localized protocol selection optimizes efficiency for each communication context.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay device acts as an intermediary that handles protocol conversion and error management between TCP and UDP communications. It receives reliable TCP data from servers, processes it, and transmits via UDP to clients, managing the complexity of multi-protocol error handling centrally at the relay device rather than requiring complex error handling at each endpoint.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer receives, using a first communication method, first data transmitted from a first information processing device. The computer transmits, using a second communication method different from the first communication method, the first data to a second information processing device different from the first information processing device. The computer receives, using the second communication method, a reception acknowledgement for the first data from the second information processing device. The computer transmits, using the first communication method, the reception acknowledgement to the first information processing device. The computer detects one of a first error and a second error. The first error is an error in communication between the computer and the first information processing device. The second error is an error in communication between the computer and the second information processing device. The computer retransmits, based on the detected error, one of reception acknowledgements transmitted to the first information processing device.