Server assignment within a varying network of devices

Abstract

Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods that designate one device of the network to Web and addressing server functionality using a shared fixed Internet Protocol (IP) address. For example, a method may initialize operation of an electronic device subsequently initiate a delay time period specific to the electronic device. Subsequent to the delay time period elapsing, the network that includes the electronic device and at least one other device may be monitored to identify a predefined fixed internet protocol (IP) address and in response, it may be determined whether the predefined fixed IP address is absent from or in use by one of the other devices in the network. Based on results of this determination, a predefined fixed IP address or anew IP address may be assigned to the electronic device.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeSERVER ASSIGNMENT WITHIN A VARYING NETWORK OF DEVICESRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 761,007, filed on February 20, 2025, and entitled AUTOMATIC METHOD FOR MAINTAINING A SERVER ACROSS AN AD HOC NETWORK OF DEVICES, the entirety of which is incorporated herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to systems, methods, and devices that form a network that is configured to automatically designate one device of the network as a Web and addressing server using a shared fixed Internet Protocol (IP) address.BACKGROUND

[0003] Existing techniques for network control operations may be improved with respect to simplicity’ and reliability to provide improved stability with respect to network operations.SUMMARY

[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather these embodiments are intended only toAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeprovide a brief summary of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a group of devices may be networked together such that one of the devices is designated as an active web server to provide web server functionality and / or dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) functionality' for the network without adding hardw are or manual configuration. Each device on the netw ork may include an embedded software web server and client applications may access the network via a fixed IP address. In some implementations, each of the devices may be configured to attempt to claim the fixed IP address upon startup wdth only one device succeeding and becoming the active web server for the network. In response, all other devices on the network may be configured to reassign their IP addresses. Likewise, all devices on the network may be configured to periodically broadcast their IP addresses and if a device designated as the active web server (i.e., having the fixed IP address) goes offline, the other devices in the network may detect the device is offline and rerun the process so that a new' device is able to claim the fixed IP address thereby being designated as the active Web server for the netw ork.

[0006] In one embodiment, an electronic device providing web and addressing server functionality is provided. The electronic device includes one or more processors coupled to a computer-readable storage device that includes program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform operations that include: initializing operation of the electronic device; subsequent to initializing operation of the electronic device, initiating a first instance of a delay time period specific to the electronic device; subsequent to the first instance of the delay time periodAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeelapsing, monitoring the connected network of at least one other device to identify a predefined fixed IP address; based on results of said monitoring, determining whether the predefined fixed IP address is absent from or in use by one of the other devices in the network; and based on results of said determining, assigning a predefined fixed IP address or a new IP address to the electronic device.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for providing web and addressing server functionality is provided is provided. The method includes: initializing operation of the electronic device; subsequent to initializing operation of the electronic device, initiating a first instance of a delay time period specific to the electronic device; subsequent to the first instance of the delay time period elapsing, monitoring the connected network of at least one other device to identify a predefined fixed IP address; based on results of said monitoring, determining whether the predefined fixed IP address is absent from or in use by one of the other devices in the network; and based on results of said determining, assigning an IP address to the electronic device.

[0008] In one embodiment, a system providing web and addressing server functionality is provided. The system includes a plurality of electronic devices connected through a network, each of the electronic devices comprising: one or more processors coupled to a computer-readable storage device, wherein the computer-readable storage device comprises program instructions that, when executed on the one or more processors, cause a first electronic device of the electronic devices to perform operations comprising: initializing operation of the electronic device; subsequent to initializing operation of the electronic device, initiating a first instance of a delay time period specific to the electronic device: subsequent to the first instance of the delay time period elapsing, monitoring the connected network of at least one other device toAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeidentify a predefined fixed IP address; based on results of said monitoring, determining whether the predefined fixed IP address is absent from or in use by one of the other devices in the network; and based on results of said determining, assigning an IP address to the electronic device.

[0009] In accordance with some implementations, a device includes one or more processors, a memory', and one or more programs; the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors and the one or more programs include instructions for performing or causing performance of any of the methods described herein. In accordance with some implementations, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium has stored therein instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform or cause performance of any of the methods described herein. In accordance with some implementations, a device includes: one or more processors, a memory, and means for performing or causing performance of any of the methods described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] So that the present disclosure can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, a more detailed description may be had by reference to aspects of some illustrative implementations, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Figures 1A-1E illustrate different instances of a system configured to designate a device of a network as a web and addressing server using a shared fixed Internet Protocol (IP) address, in accordance with some implementations.Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOe

[0012] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary method that enables a system or electronic device to automatically select a single device within a network of server-capable devices to function as a web server, in accordance with some implementations.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart representation of an exemplary method that enables a system or electronic device to perform an arbitration process between multiple devices in a merged network that are attempting to claim a same fixed IP address to determine which device retains this fixed IP address, in accordance with some implementations.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a device for improving device network technology associated with designating a single of a network as a Web and addressing server using a shared fixed Internet Protocol (IP) address, in accordance with some implementations.

[0015] In accordance with common practice the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given system, method or device. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeDESCRIPTION

[0016] Numerous details are described in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example implementations shown in the drawings. However, the drawings merely show some example aspects of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other effective aspects and / or variants do not include all of the specific details described herein. Moreover, well-known systems, methods, components, devices and circuits have not been described in exhaustive detail so as not to obscure more pertinent aspects of the example implementations described herein.

[0017] Figures 1 A-1E illustrate instances lOOa-lOOe of a system 101 configured to designate a single device of a network of devices as a web and addressing server for the network using a predefined fixed Internet Protocol (IP) address, in accordance with some implementations. In some implementations, system 101 is configured to provide information associated with a netw ork of connected devices without adding additional hardw are or user configuration by embedding softw are w eb servers with composite w eb pages within devices on the network thereby providing stable web connection when devices are removed, added, or switched during in operation. The aforementioned softw are w eb servers are configured to enable any device with a w eb browser to access and display a user interface (UI). Likewise, embedding a webserver within devices of the network enable access to web pages via phones, laptops, and external LCD’s thereby providing a convenient and efficient operation for users on the network.

[0018] For example. Figures 1 A-1E illustrate a pluralitv of interconnected devices (e.g., a dispensing device for dispensing a hot melt adhesive foam substance, aAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOecomputing device, a display device, etc.) configured to provide network information via embedded web servers (e.g., software modules within each of the interconnected devices) without requiring dedicated server hardware, user configuration data, and / or additional cost. Each device may include an embedded web server (e.g., web server module 128) configured with composite web / interface pages accessible by a client device via a w eb browser. In some implementations, a predefined fixed IP address may be designated as a common access address for the interconnected devices such that upon connection to the shared network, each device may execute an automatic IP address assignment process to attempt to claim the predefined fixed IP address with only one of the devices successfully acquiring the fixed IP address and assuming a web and addressing server role. Likewise, the remaining interconnected devices are configured to obtain alternative IP addresses.

[0019] In some implementations, each of the devices may be configured to periodically broadcast their assigned IP addresses to the other devices on the network and if the device designated as the active web server (i.e., having the fixed IP address) goes offline (e.g., is powered down), the other devices may detect that the device has gone offline and may re-run the process so that a new device is able to claim the fixed IP address thereby being designated as the active web server for the network. Accordingly, the aforementioned process may provide automated arbitration, failover, and reassignment of the fixed IP address thereby enabling a self-configuring composite device network that maintains stable web access despite device addition, removal, and / or power cycling. For example, system 101 may include a set of networked company devices (e.g., devices 124a-124d of figure 1A) designated to form a local network (e.g., network 124) that enables a process such that when a first device (e.g.,Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOedevice 124a) of the network powers up, it monitors for any status broadcasts and verifies whether a designated fixed IP address 169.254.1.1 is already in use. If the designated fixed IP address 169.254.1.1 is verified as not in use, the first device runs an AutoIP process to assign itself the designated fixed IP address 169.254.1.1 thereby being designated both a web server and a DHCP server for the network. Subsequently, as additional devices of the network become available (e.g., powered up or added to the network), they each passively monitor broadcast traffic, recognize that the designated fixed IP address 169.254.1.1 has already been claimed by the first device, and then use the AutoIP process to select their own random local IP addresses. This process enables the network to modify itself, with one device accepting a coordination role for the network and other devices joining the network without manual configuration.

[0020] In some implementations, the system 101 may be a hot melt liquid dispensing system. In this instance, each of the plurality of interconnected devices of Figures 1A-1E (e.g., any or all of devices 124a-124f and / or devices 127a- 127c) may be a dispensing device(s) for dispensing a hot melt liquid such as, for example, a hot melt adhesive foam substance provided to one or more melters or melter units of the dispensing device(s) in a solid or semi-solid form. The one or more melters or melter units are configured to heat the solid or semi-solid hot melt adhesive until it reaches a molten state that may be pumped to one or more applicators (also referred to as applicator modules, dispensers, or the like) of the dispensing device(s). The one or more applicators are configured to dispense the melted hot melt adhesive to a desired surface or substrate, often as a series of dots or lines. Accordingly, system 101 is configured to provide information associated with the network of connected dispensing devices without adding additional hardware or user configuration to provide a stable webAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeconnection when devices are removed, added, or switched during in operation. This stable web connection may prevent network shutdown or malfunction which could cause the dispensing devices to shut down during operation thereby causing any molten hot melt adhesive being pumped to one or more applicators to cool down and become solid which may cause device / system failure.

[0021] Figure 1A illustrates an instance 100a of system 101 configured such that device 124a of a network 124 is designated as a web and addressing server using a shared fixed Internet Protocol (IP) address, in accordance with some implementations. In Figure 1A, the first instance 100a of system 101 includes devices 124a-124d (interconnected), a (embedded) web server module 128 and a display / UI 140. Each device may include an instance of the web server module 128. In some implementations, web server module 128 may include a software module integrated within and executed by any of the devices 124a-124d. In some implementations, web server module 128 may be an independent software module operating within system 101. In some implementations, web server module 128 may include an initialization module 103, a network monitoring module 104, an IP address assignment module 110, a time delay module 114, a control (w eb) server assignment module 118 and a broadcast module 125 configured to manage initialization and network integration of devices 124a-124d. Initialization module 103 is configured to enable any of devices to initialize (e.g., power up) upon connection to network 124. Network monitoring module 104 is configured to monitor the netw ork 124 for the presence of a predefined fixed IP address. IP address assignment module 110 to enable any of devices 124a-124d to assign itself a predefined fixed IP address. Time delay module 114 is configured to introduce a startup delay time interval prior to initiating IP address acquisition. Control (web)Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeserver assignment module 118 is configured to assign an associated device devices 124a-124d as an active web server. Broadcast module 125 is configured to periodically transmit status broadcasts to the network 124 to indicate continued use of the predefined fixed IP address.

[0022] In some implementations, devices 124a-124d are configured to communicate over the network 124 and provide web-based functionality such that an active web server role is automatically assigned among the devices 124a-124d via the web server module 128. Each of the devices 124a-124d may be configured to periodically (e.g., every second during operation of network 124) publish status information to the network 124 as network data 102. The status information may include a currently assigned IP address associated with each of the devices 124a-124d.

[0023] In some implementations during operation (i.e., during instance 100a), the device 124a may perform an initialization operation, such as powering up, after which an instance of a device-specific delay time period (e.g., based on serial number of the device) is initiated. Subsequent to expiration of the delay time period, the device 124a may be configured to monitor the network 124 for the presence of a predefined fixed IP address such as, for example, 169.254.1.1. In response to results of the monitoring process, the device 124a may determine whether the predefined fixed IP address is absent or is already in use by another device (e.g., one of devices 124b-124d) on the network 124. In response to this determination, the device 124a may assign itself either the predefined fixed IP address, if it is available and not in use, or a different unique IP address if the fixed IP address is already in use. In response to successfully acquiring the fixed IP address, the device 124a may be configured to operate as an active control server for the network for providing web server functionality and / or in someAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeimplementations, a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) service for the other devices 124b-124d on the network 124. Additionally, the devices 124b-124d may periodically transmit status broadcasts to the network. As part of this status broadcast, the device 124a may be configured to broadcast its assigned IP address status to the network 124 so that any other device on the network can maintain awareness of network configuration and availability of the fixed IP address.

[0024] In some implementations, a simultaneous startup (e.g., power up) of multiple devices (e.g., devices 124a and 124c) may be addressed by introducing a startup delay time interval prior to initiating IP address acquisition. For example, when multiple devices are powered on concurrently, each device may implement a respective delay time interval prior to attempting to claim the predefined fixed IP address. This delay time interval may be selected within a bounded range such as, for example, between approximately 0 and 5 seconds. In some implementations, the delay time interval may be deterministically derived from a device specific identifier such as, for example, an internal device serial number thereby providing a repeatable distributed startup timing among the devices and reducing instances of simultaneous IP address acquisition attempts. Likewise, the delay time interval may be assigned to a device using a random number generator program as part of system 101.

[0025] While device 124a has been described above, it should be appreciated that any of the other devices (124b - 124d) may be configured in the same manner. Specifically, referring to Figure IB, an instance 100b of system 101 may be configured such that device 124c of network 124 is designated as the web and addressing server using a shared fixed IP address, in accordance with some implementations. In FigureAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeIB, the instance 100b of system 101 includes devices 124b-124d (interconnected), web server module 128 and a display / UI 140.

[0026] In some implementations, the example illustrated in Figure IB occurs subsequent to the example illustrated in Figure 1 A. For example, Figure IB illustrates device 124a that was previously assigned as the active web server being disabled (e.g., shut down, offline, etc.) and anew device 124c being automatically selected to assume the active web server role.

[0027] In some implementations, upon monitoring the network 124 and finding now device assigned to the predefined fixed IP address, the devices 124b-124d may initiate a device-specific delay time period. In one embodiment, upon the expiration of its device-specific delay time period, and prior to attempting to acquire the predefined fixed IP address, the device 124c monitors, or checks, the network to determine if the predefined fixed IP address is in use by another device. If not, device 124c is configured to acquire the predefined fixed IP address using an automated IP assignment process.

[0028] In response to successfully acquiring the fixed IP address, the device 124c is configured to operate as the active control server for the network 124 thereby providing web server functionality and, in some implementations, a DHCP service for the other devices 124b and 124d on the network 124. Additionally, device 124c may periodically transmit status broadcasts (e.g., during a fixed time interval, during a randomly generated time interval, etc.) to the network 124 to indicate continued use of the predefined fixed IP address, thereby enabling the other devices 124b and 124d, which are configured monitor network configuration and detect changes in active web server availability, to claim the predefined fixed IP address if no longer in use.Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeLikewise, all of devices 124a-124d are configured to periodically transmit status broadcasts (e.g., during a fixed time interval, during a randomly generated time interval, etc.) to the network 124 to indicate each associated device status.

[0029] In another embodiment, Figure 1C illustrates an instance 100c of system 101 configured to enable new devices 124e and 124f to be added to the network 124 while device 124c continues to be designated of the as the web and addressing server, in accordance with some implementations. In Figure 1C, the instance 100c of system 101 includes devices 124b-124f (interconnected), web server module 128, and a display / UI 140.

[0030] During instance 100c, the network 124 may be automatically configured as new devices are added (e.g., devices 124e and 124f). In some implementations, devices 124e and 124f may be configured similarly to devices 124b-124d currently on the network. In one implementation, once connected to the network, new devices 124e and 124f may be configured to initiate device-specific (or randomly generated) delay time periods. Upon completion of the device-specific delay time periods, devices 124e and 124f may be configured to monitor the network 124 for the periodically published informational packets transmitted by previously connected devices 124b-124d, which include currently assigned IP addresses for each device. So long as device 124c maintains use of the predefined fixed service IP address, devices 124e and 124f are configured to acquire a different IP address, as assigned by the automated IP assignment process.

[0031] However, if upon connection to the network 124 and expiration of the device-specific delay time periods, the devices 124b or 124d-124f detects that theAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOepredefined server IP address is no longer present on the network 124, the automated IP assignment process or algorithm may be executed to enable one of devices 124b and 124d-124f to attempt to acquire the predefined fixed server IP address. Detection that the predefined server IP address is no longer present on the network 124 is enabled via a continuous network monitoring process performed by each of devices 124a-124f.

[0032] Upon successfully obtaining the predefined fixed server IP address, one of devices 124b and 124d-124f may assume the web and / or DHCP server role (i.e., not shown in Figure 1C), thereby maintaining continuous network functionality without manual intervention. The aforementioned process may enable a self-configuring network in which server functionality dynamically migrates to available devices as needed.

[0033] Figure ID illustrates an instance lOOd of system 101 configured to combine networks 124 and 127 and perform an arbitration process to resolve conflicts arising from instances in which device 124a of network 124 and device 127b of network 127 have both previously been assigned a predefined fixed IP address for designation as web and addressing server for the previously existing networks. For example, in Figure ID, the instance lOOd of system 101 includes network 124 of devices 124a-124c (interconnected) combined with network 127 of devices 127a-127c and device 124ahas been previously assigned a predefined fixed IP address for designation as web and addressing server of network 124 and device 127b has been previously assigned a predefined fixed IP address for designation as web and addressing server of networkAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOe

[0034] In some implementations, each of devices 124a-124c and 127a-127c may include its own unique identifier such as, for example, a Media Access Control (MAC) address that may be periodically published by, for example, using the broadcast module 125. In some implementations, the combined network 160 (i.e., the combination of networks 124 and 127) may be monitored (e.g., via any or all of devices 124a- 124c and / or 127a- 127c ) for arbitration conditions that indicate a competing claim to the fixed IP address (e.g., between devices 124a and 127b) and in response to a detected arbitration condition caused by device 124a of network 124 and device 127b of network 127 both previously designated as web and addressing server for their respective networks, predetermined attributes of the devices, such as a higher MAC address, a longer network tenure, or other device-specific criteria of the arbitrating devices 124a and 127b, are analyzed (e.g., via one or more of control module 128) to enable the system 101 to determine which device will retain the fixed IP address to be designated as the as the active web server. Likewise, the device that is not selected to retain the fixed IP address is configured to relinquish the conflicting fixed IP address and automatically acquire a different IP address using the automated IP assignment process.

[0035] In some implementations, the system 101 may be configured to prevent client-side conflicts caused by overlapping dynamic IP addresses prior to combination of networks 124 and 127. For example, each device on the network may be configured to utilize a DHCP pool with a randomized start value. In this instance, the device acting as a server, i.e. the device currently assigned the fixed IP address designated as the active web server IP address, is configured to ensure that all assigned IP addresses are unique within the newly merged network. Accordingly, this arbitration process (resolved via a device having a higher MAC address, a longer network tenure, etc. beingAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOedesignated as web and addressing server for the combined network 160) may enable multiple composite networks to be merged together seamlessly while maintaining a single stable server IP address and continuous web service availability.

[0036] Figure IE illustrates an instance lOOe of system 101 occurring subsequent to the arbitration process described with respect to Figure ID, resolving conflicts between device 124a and device 127b. In this instance, device 124a retains the fixed primary IP address and is thereby designated as the as the active web server. Device 127a is configured to thereafter relinquish the conflicting fixed primary IP address and acquire a different IP address using the automated IP assignment process.

[0037] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a flowchart representation of an exemplary method 200 that enables a system and / or an electronic device(s) to automatically select a single device (e.g., the electronic device) within a network of server-capable devices to function as a web and / or DHCP server with respect to a predefined fixed IP address while allowing for reassignment of the web server role if the designated device is removed or becomes unavailable, in accordance with some implementations.

[0038] In some implementations, a device that successfully obtains the predefined fixed IP address may assume the web server role and perform associated network functions such as, for example, hosting web pages and providing DHCP services. In some implementations, all devices in the network may be configured to periodically broadcast informational packets that include their currently assigned IP addresses and if a non-server device detects that the fixed IP address is no longer present on the network, the device may re-execute an automated IP address assignment process to acquire theAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOefixed IP address and assume the web server role, thereby maintaining continuous server functionality within the network.

[0039] In some implementations, the method 200 is performed by processing logic, including hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the method 200 is performed by a processor executing code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory ). Each of the blocks in the method 200 may be enabled and executed in any order.

[0040] In one embodiment, at block 202, the method 200 (implemented via a system of devices and / or a single device) initializes operation of an electronic device connected to a network of at least one other device. For example, initializing operation (e.g., via initialization module 103 of figures 1A-1E) of the electronic device may include, inter alia, powering up an electronic device, connecting the electronic device to the network, etc. In some implementations, the electronic device may be a dispensing device (e.g., a hot melt adhesive foam substance dispensing device), a computing device, a display device, etc.

[0041] At block 204, subsequent to initializing operation of the electronic device, the method 200 includes initiating a first instance of a delay time period (e.g., via time delay module 114 of figures 1 A-1E) specific to the electronic device. For example, the delay time period may include a delay time interval that is selected within a bounded range such as, for example, between approximately 0 and 5 seconds. In some implementations, the delay time interval may be deterministically derived from a device specific identifier such as, for example, an internal device serial number thereby providing a repeatable distributed startup timing among theAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOedevices and reducing instances of simultaneous IP address acquisition attempts. Alternatively, the delay time period may include a variable time period associated with specific operational attributes of the electronic device.

[0042] At block 206, subsequent to the first instance of the delay time period elapsing, the method 200 includes the monitoring (e.g., every few seconds) of the connected network of at least one other device.

[0043] At blocks 208 and 210, the method 200 includes the determination, based on data collected during the monitoring step, of whether a predefined fixed IP address such as, for example, 169.254.1.1, is absent from or in use by one of the other devices in the network. In some implementations, the method 200 may perform an IP address conflict detection and resolution process to determine whether the predefined fixed IP address is absent from or in use by one of the other devices in the network.

[0044] If at blocks 208 and 210, the method 200 determines that the predefined fixed IP address is in use by one of the other devices in the network then, at block 220, the method 200 acquires a new IP address differing from the fixed IP address using an automated IP assignment process such as, for example, AutoIP.

[0045] The method 200 is also configured (at block 222) to instruct the electronic devices on the system to transmit periodic (e.g., every few seconds) status broadcasts indicating, among other information, which IP addresses are used by the electronic devices connected to the system.

[0046] At block 224, the method 200 monitors the periodic status broadcasts of the other devices on the connected network and is further configured to determine if the fixed IP address is still in use by any other electronic device on the network. If theAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeresults of monitoring of the periodic status broadcasts from the at least one other device in the network indicates that the predefined fixed IP address is absent from use by the at least one other electronic device, the method 200 may be configured to instruct the monitoring electronic device to acquire the predefined fixed IP address and to operate as the active Web (control) server for the network.

[0047] In addition, the method 200 may be configured (at block 230) to receive periodic status broadcasts from other devices in the network (or the network itself) and, based on the receipt of these periodic status broadcasts, the method 200 may be configured to detect or determine if the predefined fixed IP address is in use by any other electronic device.

[0048] At block 232, the method 200 is configured to determine if the other electronic devices in the network have been removed from the network. For example, the method may be configured to determine if another device on the network has been powered down, disconnected from the network, malfunctioned, etc. , by monitoring the transmission of the network for the periodic status broadcasts from connected devices.

[0049] At block 234, if the method 200, subsequent to yet another delay time period elapsing, determines that the fixed IP address is no longer in use by any device in the network, is configured to acquire the predefined fixed IP address for reassignment to a different electronic device on the network using an automated IP assignment process and in response to acquiring the predefined fixed IP address, the method 200 (at block 238) configures the different electronic device to operate as the active control server for the network.Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOe

[0050] If at blocks 208 and 210, the method 200 determines that the predefined fixed IP address is absent from use by one of the other devices in the network then at block 212, the method 200 is configured to initiate a second instance of the delay time period specific to the electronic device. Subsequent to the second instance of the delay time period elapsing and an additional monitoring operation performed to very7that no other device acquired the predefined fixed IP address, the method 200 acquires the predefined fixed IP address using an automated IP assignment process at block 214.

[0051] At block 216, in response to acquiring the predefined fixed IP address, the method 200 configures the electronic device to operate as an active web server for the network. For example, the electronic device to may be configured to provide web server functionality and / or a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) functionality for the network. In some implementations, web server functionality may include providing composite web pages representing information from multiple devices on the network

[0052] At block 228, the method 200 is configured to instruct a device to transmit periodic status broadcasts to the network. The status broadcasts may include information or data sufficient to indicate whether the predefined fixed IP address is in use by the electronic device.

[0053] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart representation of an exemplary' method 300 that enables a system or electronic device to perform an arbitration process between multiple devices in a merged network claiming a same fixed IP address to determine which device retains this fixed IP address and is designated as an active web server for the merged network, in accordance with some implementations. In some implementations, the method 300 is performed by processing logic, including hardware.Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOefirmware, software, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the method 300 is performed by a processor executing code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory ). Each of the blocks in the method 300 may be enabled and executed in any order.

[0054] At block 302, the method 300 initializes operation of an electronic device connected to a network of at least one other device. For example, initializing operation may include, inter alia, powering up electronic device, connecting the electronic device to the network, etc. In some implementations, the electronic device may be a dispensing device, a computing device, a display device, etc.

[0055] At block 304, subsequent to initializing operation of the electronic device, the method 300 initiates a first instance of a delay time period specific to the electronic device.

[0056] At block 306, subsequent to the first instance of the delay7time period elapsing, the method 300 monitors a combined network that includes a first network that includes the electronic device and a second network that includes at least one other device. In some implementations, an arbitration condition between the electronic device connected to the network and an additional electronic device connected to the second network is detected during the monitoring process. The arbitration condition indicates a competing claim (to the predefined fixed IP address) between the electronic device and the additional electronic device.

[0057] At block 308 the method 300 based on attributes of the electronic device and the additional electronic device, determines that the predefined fixed IP address will be retained by one of the electronic device and the additional electronic device (andAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOewill be designated as an active web server for the merged network) and that the remaining one of the electronic device and the additional electronic device will relinquish the predefined fixed IP address and obtain a different IP address using the automated IP assignment process. In some implementations, the attributes may include media access control (MAC) addresses of the electronic device and the additional electronic device and the method 300 determines that a MAC address of the electronic device comprises a higher value than a MAC address of the additional electronic device.

[0058] Figure 4 illustrates a device 400 (e.g., dispensing device (e.g., a hot melt adhesive foam substance dispensing device), a computing device, a display device, etc. ) for improving network device technology associated with designating a single device of a network as a Web and addressing server using a shared fixed IP address, in accordance with some implementations.

[0059] Aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.”

[0060] The present disclosure may be a system, a method, and / or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure.

[0061] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronicAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOestorage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory'), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory' (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory' stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

[0062] Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing / processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and / or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing apparatus receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOe

[0063] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, spark, R language, or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry7including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

[0064] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, device (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, andAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOecombinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

[0065] These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing device, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0066] The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable device or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable device, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0067] The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may representAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOea module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be accomplished as one step, executed concurrently, substantially concurrently, in a partially or wholly temporally overlapping manner, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0068] The device 400 illustrated in Figure 4 includes a processor 430, input device / sensors 407 coupled to the processor 430, an output device 406 coupled to the processor 430, and memory devices 402 and 414 (e.g., non-volatile memory devices) each coupled to the processor 430. The input device / sensors 407 may be, inter alia, a keyboard, a mouse, a camera, a touchscreen, any type of sensors such as an image sensor, a temperature sensor, a voltage / current sensor, etc. The output device 406 may be, inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, a removable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memory devices 402 and 414 may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory device 414 includes a computer code 496. The computer code 496 includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithms of Figures 2A, 2B and 3) for improving network device technology associated with designating a single deviceAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeof a network as a Web and addressing server using a shared fixed IP address. The processor 430 executes the computer code 496. The memory' device 402 includes input data 497. The input data 497 includes input (e.g., network data) required by the computer code 496. The output device 406 displays output from the computer code 496. Either or both memory devices 402 and 414 (or one or more additional memoiv devices such as read only memory device or firmware 415) may include algorithms (e.g., the algorithms of Figures 2A, 2B and 3) and may be used as a computer usable medium (or a computer readable medium or a program storage device) having a computer readable program code embodied therein and / or having other data stored therein, wherein the computer readable program code includes the computer code 496. Generally, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an article of manufacture) of the 400 devices may include the computer usable medium (or the program storage device).

[0069] In some embodiments, rather than being stored and accessed from a hard drive, optical disc or other writeable, rewriteable, or removable hardware memory device 414, stored computer program code 496 (e g., including algorithms) may be stored on a static, nonremovable, read-only storage medium such as a Read-Only Memory (ROM) device 415, or may be accessed by processor 430 directly from such a static, nonremovable, read-only medium 415. Similarly, in some embodiments, stored computer program code 496 may be stored as computer-readable firmware 415, or may be accessed by processor 430 directly from such firmware 415, rather than from a more dynamic or removable hardware data-storage device 414, such as a hard drive or optical disc.

[0070] While Figure 4 shows the devices 400 as a particular configuration of hardware and software, any configuration of hardware and software, as would beAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeknown to a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilized for the purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particular devices 400 of Figure 4. For example, the memory7devices 402 and 414 may be portions of a single memory' device rather than separate memory' devices.

[0071] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes w ill become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeWhat is claimed is:

1. An electronic device connected to a network of at least one other device, the electronic device comprising:one or more processors coupled to a computer-readable storage device, wherein the computer-readable storage device comprises program instructions that, when executed on the one or more processors, cause the electronic device to perform operations comprising:initializing operation of the electronic device;subsequent to initializing operation of the electronic device, initiating a first instance of a delay time period specific to the electronic device;subsequent to the first instance of the delay time period elapsing, monitoring the connected network of at least one other device to identify a predefined fixed IP address;based on results of said monitoring, determining whether the predefined fixed IP address is absent from or in use by one of the other devices in the network; and based on results of said determining, assigning a predefined fixed IP address or a new IP address to the electronic device.

2. The electronic device of claim 1. wherein if said results of said determining indicate that the predefined fixed IP address is absent from use by any of the other devices in the network, providing program instructions that, when executed on the one or more processors, further cause the electronic device to perform operations comprising:Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeinitiating a second instance of the delay time period specific to the electronic device;subsequent to the second instance of the delay time period elapsing, acquiring the predefined fixed IP address using an automated IP assignment process;in response to said acquiring the predefined fixed IP address, configuring the electronic device to operate as an active control server for the network; and transmitting periodic status broadcasts indicating whether the predefined fixed IP address is in use by the electronic device.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the electronic device operating as the active control server for the network is configured to provide Web server functionality for the at least one other device on the network.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the web server functionality provides composite web pages representing information from multiple of said at least one other device on the network.

5. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein electronic device operating as the active control server for the network is configured to provide dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) services for the at least one other device on the network.

6. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the program instructions that, when executed on the one or more processors, further cause the electronic deviceAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeto perform operations comprising: performing an IP address conflict detection process prior to said acquiring.

7. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein an absence of the predefined fixed IP address on the network is detected and in response to the absence, said monitoring and said acquiring are repeated to reassign the fixed IP address to a different device on the network.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein if said results of said determining indicate that the predefined fixed IP address is in use by any of the other devices in the network, providing program instructions that, when executed on the one or more processors, further cause the electronic device to perform operations comprising:acquiring the new IP address differing from the fixed IP address using an automated IP assignment process;in response to said acquiring the new IP address, configuring the electronic device to transmit penodic status broadcasts indicating the secondary IP address in use by the electronic device andmonitoring the periodic status broadcasts of the connected network of at least one other device to determine if the fixed IP address is in use by any other electronic device on the network.

9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein if results of the monitoring of the periodic status broadcasts from the at least one other device in the networkAttorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeindicates that the predefined fixed IP address is absent from use by the at least one other electronic device, instructing the electronic device to acquire the predefined fixed IP address and to operate as an active control server for the network.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein if said results of said determining indicate that the predefined fixed IP address is being used by one of the devices in the network, to acquire a new IP address differing from the predefined fixed IP address.

11. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the program instructions that, when executed on the one or more processors, further cause the electronic device to perform operations comprising:monitoring a combined network that includes the network and a second network, wherein an arbitration condition between the electronic device connected to the network and an additional electronic device connected to the second network is detected during said monitoring, the arbitration condition indicating a competing claim, between the electronic device and the additional electronic device, to the predefined fixed IP address; andbased on attributes of the electronic device and the additional electronic device, determining that the predefined fixed IP address will be retained by one of said electronic device and said additional electronic device and that the remaining one of said electronic device and said additional electronic device will relinquish the predefined fixed IP address and obtain a different IP address using the automated IP assignment process.Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOe12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the attributes comprise media access control (MAC) addresses of the electronic device and the additional electronic device.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein a MAC address of the electronic device comprises a higher value than a MAC address of the additional electronic device.

14. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the delay time period is associated with an identification number of the electronic device.

15. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein monitoring network communications comprises receiving broadcast status messages from the at least one other device on the network.

16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the status messages include current IP addresses of the at least one other device on the network.

17. The electronic device of claim 1. wherein each of the electronic device and the devices is selected from the group consisting of a dispensing device, a computing device and a display device.

18. A method comprising:Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOeat an electronic device connected to a network of devices:initializing operation of the electronic device;subsequent to initializing operation of the electronic device, initiating a first instance of a delay time period specific to the electronic device;subsequent to the first instance of the delay time period elapsing, monitoring the connected network of at least one other device to identify a predefined fixed IP address;based on results of said monitoring, determining whether the predefined fixed IP address is absent from or in use by one of the other devices in the network; and based on results of said determining, assigning an IP address to the electronic device.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein if said results of said determining indicate that the predefined fixed IP address is absent from use by any of the other devices in the network, the method further comprises:initiating a second instance of the delay time period specific to the electronic device;subsequent to the second instance of the delay time period elapsing, acquiring the predefined fixed IP address using an automated IP assignment process;in response to said acquiring the predefined fixed IP address, configuring the electronic device to operate as an active control server for the network; and transmitting periodic status broadcasts indicating whether the predefined fixed IP address is in use by the electronic device.Attorney Docket No. 006641-01201WOe20. A system comprising a plurality of electronic devices connected through a network, each of the electronic devices comprising:one or more processors coupled to a computer-readable storage device, wherein the computer-readable storage device comprises program instructions that, when executed on the one or more processors, cause a first electronic device of the electronic devices to perform operations comprising:initializing operation of the electronic device;subsequent to initializing operation of the electronic device, initiating a first instance of a delay time period specific to the electronic device;subsequent to the first instance of the delay time period elapsing, monitoring the connected network of at least one other device to identify a predefined fixed IP address;based on results of said monitoring, determining whether the predefined fixed IP address is absent from or in use by one of the other devices in the network; and based on results of said determining, assigning an IP address to the electronic device.

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