Dynamic Search Method Selection for Chrome OS Apparatus Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for an information processing apparatus to search for a communication apparatus, such as printers, are not adequately effective, particularly when using Chrome OS, as they may not support Wi-Fi Direct or face issues with broadcast and multicast searches, leading to incomplete or failed apparatus discovery and scanning functions.
Innovation Solution
A program and control method that dynamically select search methods based on the operating environment, using Wi-Fi Direct, broadcast searches, multicast searches, and network service discovery to ensure appropriate apparatus detection and communication, while also handling Chrome OS limitations by employing alternative search protocols like socket API and DNS-based service discovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Wi-Fi Direct search method is used, then apparatus discovery is improved, but compatibility issues arise on Chrome OS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of search methods based on the operating environment. The system detects whether it is running on Chrome OS or other OSs and automatically switches between Wi-Fi Direct search (for non-Chrome OS) and alternative search protocols (for Chrome OS), ensuring reliable apparatus discovery across different platforms without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the search protocol parameter based on the OS environment. When detecting Chrome OS, the system switches from Wi-Fi Direct search parameters to alternative search methods (such as broadcast/multicast search or network service discovery parameters), thereby maintaining compatibility while preserving discovery functionality
2Ease of operation
If broadcast search is used, then apparatus discovery is simplified, but effectiveness decreases on Chrome OS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the search method parameter based on OS detection. On Chrome OS, it replaces broadcast search with alternative effective methods such as multicast search or network service discovery, while maintaining the same user-friendly operation interface. This ensures both simplicity and effectiveness across different OS environments
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple search methods are implemented, then OS compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search functionality into distinct methods (Wi-Fi Direct search, broadcast search, multicast search, network service discovery) and implements automatic selection based on OS detection. Each method is handled as a separate module, making the complex multi-method system manageable through structured organization and automatic routing
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-detection of the operating environment and automatically selects the appropriate search method without user intervention. The OS detection mechanism automatically routes to the correct search implementation, eliminating the need for users to manually configure search methods and reducing the perceived complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A program that causes a computer of a second information processing apparatus having a second operation environment being on a second operating system (second OS) running as a host operating system (host OS) and being on a guest operating system (guest OS) to perform a control method comprising performing (S411, S413), based on the predetermined program being run in the second operation environment, a second process for controlling a predetermined program to not perform a first process and searching for an apparatus without using Wi-Fi Direct® is provided to solve an issue.