Network Traffic Reduction via Device State-Aware Synchronization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for synchronizing set values between devices and a server often result in wasteful network communication, as there is no guarantee that reflected data is the newest, leading to unnecessary data transmission when devices switch from a non-energized to an energized state.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a determination unit to check device energization states, a request unit to request updates only from energized devices, and an update unit to apply the received updates, ensuring that only the latest data is used and reducing network traffic by avoiding updates for non-energized devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the information processing apparatus requests update information from the server whenever a device shifts to an energized state, then the latest synchronizing data can be reflected to the target device, but unnecessary network communication occurs when the device was already updated before entering the non-energized state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata consistencyVSAvoidnetwork traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs update operations in advance while the device is in an energized state, before the device enters a non-energized state. The update information is transmitted and stored in the information processing apparatus during the energized state, so that when the device later shifts to an energized state again, the latest data is already available without requiring additional network communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If the information processing apparatus suspends update when a device is in a non-energized state to save power, then network communication is reduced, but the synchronizing data received before the device was non-energized may not be the latest data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork trafficVSAvoiddata consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs update operations in advance while the device is in an energized state, before the device enters a non-energized state. The update information is transmitted and stored in the information processing apparatus during the energized state, so that when the device later shifts to an energized state again, the latest data is already available without requiring additional network communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the server and the target device. It receives and stores update information from the server while the device is non-energized, then provides this stored update information to the device when it becomes energized, eliminating the need for the device to communicate directly with the server during every state transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the system frequently synchronizes data between the server and all devices, then data consistency is maintained, but network traffic increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata consistencyVSAvoidnetwork traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different synchronization strategies to different devices based on their individual states. Update information is transmitted only to devices that are in an energized state at the time of synchronization, while devices in a non-energized state receive updates deferred until they become energized. This localized approach to synchronization reduces overall network traffic while maintaining data consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs update operations in advance while the device is in an energized state, before the device enters a non-energized state. The update information is transmitted and stored in the information processing apparatus during the energized state, so that when the device later shifts to an energized state again, the latest data is already available without requiring additional network communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10397321B2Information processing apparatus that performs set value synchronization process, control, method therefor, storage medium storing control program therefor, and information processing system

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus that is capable of reducing total network traffic without wasting received synchronizing data in the information processing apparatus. A plurality of devices of which energization states are controllable independently perform information processes according to set data. A determination unit determines whether each of the plurality of devices is in an energized state. A request unit requests update information about set data concerning a device that is determined being in the energized state by the determination unit from an external apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus through a network. An update unit performs an update process that updates the set data according to the update information transmitted from the external apparatus in response to the request.