Communication Device Automatic IP Address Reply for Network Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in setting up communication devices, such as routers and wireless LAN access points, due to the need for manual entry of IP addresses and other configuration details, leading to confusion and errors, especially when initial settings are not completed.

Innovation Solution

A communication device with a judgment module that determines setting completion, an IP address reply module that sends a unique IP address upon request, a page return module that displays necessary setting pages, and a setting module that registers entered information, facilitating easy setup without requiring users to manually enter IP addresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user manually enters the IP address in the URL entry box to access the setting page, then the communication setting can be completed, but the operation becomes complex and error-prone for unfamiliar users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting operationVSAvoidcomplexity of setting procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device automatically provides its own IP address to the connected terminal device, eliminating the need for users to manually enter or search for the IP address. The device serves itself by supplying the necessary access information automatically upon connection establishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The IP address is provided to the terminal device in advance, before the user needs to access the setting page. This preliminary provision of the IP address simplifies subsequent operations by having the information ready before it is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the Web browser is activated before communication setting is completed, then the user can access the browser, but error messages are displayed without clear guidance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclarity of error guidanceVSAvoidloss of instructional information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides automatic feedback by detecting when the terminal device attempts to access a setting page before communication is established. Instead of showing generic error messages, the system responds by providing guidance information or automatically initiating the setting process, creating a constructive feedback loop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system anticipates the potential error condition of premature browser activation and pre-prevents it by providing guidance information or automatically initiating the setting process before the user encounters the error, thereby preventing confusion and loss of instructional information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS8161148B2Communication device and method for setting the communication setting required to establish communication

Publication Date: 2012.04.17 BUFFALO CORP LTD

AI summary

Upon no completion of setting of a user ID and a password to be sent to a PPPoE server, in response to reception of a DNS request from a client, a communication device of the invention sends back a unique LAN IP address, which is allocated to the communication device, as a DNS reply to the client, regardless of the contents of the DNS request. The client then sends an HTTP request to the received LAN IP address, and the communication device sends back a Web page for entry of the user name and the password as an HTTP response to the client. The Web page for entry of the user ID and the password is displayed on an active Web browser of the client. This arrangement enables the user to readily complete setting for communication in the communication device.