Network Bridge Device Automates IP Reassignment for Multi-Function Printers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual configuration of network settings, such as IP addresses, can be tedious and prone to misconfigurations, and existing DHCP systems do not efficiently manage address reassignment when time limits expire.

Innovation Solution

A communication control apparatus that periodically searches for connected devices, acquires and updates address and identification information using DHCP, and controls communication based on stored connection information, ensuring seamless reassignment and reduced operational load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration of network settings is used, then network devices can be connected to the network, but the process is tedious and prone to misconfigurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables devices to automatically obtain and configure their own network settings through DHCP protocol. The communication control apparatus automatically detects devices on the network, retrieves their assigned IP addresses and identification information, and configures communication settings without requiring manual intervention, thus eliminating configuration errors and reducing operational effort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The communication control apparatus performs preliminary actions by proactively searching for devices on the network, acquiring their address information before communication is needed, and pre-configuring the connection information. This advance preparation ensures devices are ready for communication without manual setup at the moment of need

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If DHCP server assigns IP addresses dynamically, then address resources are used effectively, but address reassignment management becomes complex when time limits expire

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress resource utilizationVSAvoidaddress reassignment management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication control apparatus implements a feedback mechanism by periodically searching for devices on the network and detecting changes in their address information. When IP addresses are reassigned or devices are removed, the system automatically detects these changes through periodic probing and updates its records accordingly, maintaining accurate connection information without complex manual management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs periodic searches for devices on the network at regular intervals to detect address reassignments. This periodic detection mechanism automatically updates the connection information when DHCP lease periods expire and addresses are reassigned, simplifying the management of dynamic address resources through automated periodic verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If the communication control apparatus periodically searches for devices and updates address information, then network management is simplified and misconfigurations are reduced, but network traffic and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork configuration accuracyVSAvoidnetwork processing load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication control apparatus performs partial searches by focusing only on detecting devices whose address information may have changed, rather than completely re-evaluating all network connections. This selective approach updates only the necessary connection information while minimizing unnecessary network traffic and processing overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes the periodic search mechanism by adjusting the search interval and scope based on network conditions and device activity. This dynamic parameter adjustment balances the need for accurate address information with the cost of network traffic and processing load, performing searches at intervals that maintain reliability without excessive resource consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11516178B2Controlling multi-function printer communication in network segments via a bridge device

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A communication control apparatus, a communication system, a communication control method, and a non-transitory recording medium. The communication control apparatus stores in one or more memories, identification information for identifying a registered device, sends a packet to a network to search for a device connected to the network, acquires address information assigned to the device connected to the network and identification information of the device connected to the network from the device that responded to the packet, and controls communication of the registered device using connection information that associates the identification information stored in the one or more memories with the address information of the device having the acquired identification information that matches the identification information stored in the one or more memories.