Information Processing Device Dual Network Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information processing devices face challenges in simultaneously communicating with a multifunction peripheral (MFP) via a first network and a server via a second network, as the first network is not connected to the Internet, preventing simultaneous communication with both devices.

Innovation Solution

The information processing device employs a program that enables communication with both the MFP via a first network and the server via a second network by switching between networks based on the required data, allowing it to receive printer information from the MFP and template image data from the server, and generate print data compatible with the MFP.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the information processing device connects to the first network to communicate with the MFP, then communication with the MFP is enabled, but communication with the server via the second network is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork communication adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing device dynamically switches its network connection state based on operational requirements. The device connects to the first network when MFP communication is needed, and switches to the second network when server communication is needed, making the system adaptable through dynamic state changes rather than fixed connectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs periodic network switching actions alternating between connecting to the first network (for MFP communication) and the second network (for server communication). This periodic alternation allows the device to maintain reliable communication with both systems by systematically cycling through required network states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device switches networks manually to communicate with both MFP and server, then communication with both devices is possible, but user operations become complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual network communication capabilityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing device automatically manages its own network switching without requiring user intervention. The device independently determines when to connect to the first or second network based on communication requirements, eliminating the need for users to manually switch networks and thereby simplifying operation while maintaining dual network capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses feedback from communication requirements to automatically control network switching. When the device needs to communicate with the MFP, it switches to the first network; when server communication is needed, it switches to the second network. This feedback-driven automatic control resolves the contradiction by making the system both adaptable and easy to operate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the device communicates with MFP via first network, then printer information is obtained, but template image data from server cannot be acquired simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata acquisition reliabilityVSAvoiddata acquisition time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device alternates between connecting to the first network (to acquire printer information from MFP) and the second network (to acquire template image data from server). This periodic switching enables the device to systematically collect all required data from both sources without requiring simultaneous connections, thereby maintaining data acquisition reliability while completing the overall data collection process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS9706331B2Non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing information processing program for information processing device, information processing device, and method for controlling information processing device

Publication Date: 2017.07.11 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An information processing device may perform enabling a communication between a first network and the information processing device in a case that a setting to enable the communication between the first network and the information processing device is not being made. The information processing device may perform receiving, from the communication device, communication device information. The information processing device may perform receiving an acquisition order to acquire external device information stored in an external device. The information processing device may perform enabling a communication between a second network and the information processing device when the acquisition order is received. The information processing device may perform receiving, from the external device, external device information. The information processing device may perform acquiring usage data to be used in the communication device by using the communication device information and the external device information.