Switching Section for Dynamic Workload Distribution in Information Processing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Information processing apparatuses face delays in processing when handling multiple communication devices, especially when performing original functions or jobs, leading to congestion and delayed processing.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a switching module that dynamically switches processing between itself and another information processing apparatus based on the state of the apparatus and communication devices, such as transferring data to another unit when overloaded, thereby reducing processing load and preventing delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the information processing apparatus performs processing on information from multiple communication devices, then the functionality and versatility of the system is improved, but processing delays occur due to workload congestion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling multiple communication devicesVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the processing workload by separating communication device management functions from original function processing. The switching section handles communication device states independently, allowing the processing section to focus on original functions without congestion from multiple communication devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching section acts as an intermediary between communication devices and the processing section. It manages communication device states and routes information appropriately, preventing direct congestion on the processing section while maintaining versatility in handling multiple communication devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the information processing apparatus performs its original function, then the core functionality is maintained, but processing is delayed when multiple communication devices are present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoriginal function performanceVSAvoidprocessing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments processing into communication device state management (switching section) and original function execution (processing section). This separation ensures that original function reliability is maintained while communication device multiplicity does not congest the processing section, preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication devices are supported, then the system versatility is improved, but the processing load increases causing delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication device supportVSAvoidprocessing load management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching section serves as an intermediary that manages communication device states independently. It handles the complexity of multiple communication devices through state-based routing, preventing this complexity from directly increasing the processing load on the original function processing section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11399112B2Information processing apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium storing information processing program, and information processing system

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition section that acquires information from a communication device, and a switching section that switches an apparatus to process the information acquired from the communication device, between the information processing apparatus and another information processing apparatus, in accordance with a state of the information processing apparatus and a state of the communication device.