Virtual Device Management for Non-Network-Capable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for managing devices via a network fail to function in devices that do not support network management.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that creates virtual devices using information from both network-capable and non-network-capable devices, allowing management through a communication unit, utilizing a digital shadow function to reflect and synchronize device information across virtual and real devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If network management protocol is used to manage devices, then management capability is improved for network-capable devices, but management functionality is lost for non-network-capable devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice management capabilityVSAvoidmanagement functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a first device as an intermediary between the management apparatus and the second device. The first device acts as a mediator that collects information from the second device (which cannot communicate directly with the management apparatus) and transmits it to the management apparatus, enabling indirect management of non-network-capable devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual device that copies the essential information and functionality of the physical second device. This virtual device enables the management apparatus to manage the second device indirectly by managing its virtual representation, thus extending management capability to non-network-capable devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Speed

If direct communication is required for device management, then communication efficiency is improved, but device compatibility is reduced to only network-capable devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiddevice compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The first device serves as an intermediary that bridges the communication gap between the management apparatus and the second device. It collects information from the second device and forwards it to the management apparatus, enabling compatibility with devices that cannot communicate directly over the network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

By creating a virtual device that mirrors the second device's information, the system enables indirect communication and management. The virtual device acts as a proxy, allowing the management apparatus to interact with non-network-capable devices through network-capable intermediaries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12445561B2Information processing apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium storing information processing program, and information processing method for managing device not supporting management via network through virtual device

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a memory, and a processor configured to: store, in the memory, a first virtual device that is virtually realized using information about a first device and a second virtual device that is virtually realized using information about a second device; acquire the information about the first device from the first device capable of communicating with a communication unit of the information processing apparatus, and reflect the acquired information about the first device in the first virtual device; acquire, via the first device, the information about the second device from the second device incapable of communicating with the communication unit, and reflect the acquired information about the second device in the second virtual device; and use the information about the first device reflected in the first virtual device, and use the information about the second device reflected in the second virtual device.