IP Address Overlap Detection in Dual-Mode Information Processing Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information processing apparatuses, such as printing devices, face issues when operating in both infrastructure and direct connection modes simultaneously, as overlapping IP addresses can cause incorrect data transmission due to indeterminate interfaces.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a determination unit to assess IP address overlap and a control unit to prohibit operation in the direct connection mode when IP addresses for infrastructure and direct connection modes coincide, ensuring accurate data transmission by preventing simultaneous operation in both modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the information processing apparatus operates in both infrastructure connection mode and direct connection mode simultaneously, then the versatility and connectivity options are improved, but the reliability of data transmission deteriorates due to IP address overlap causing incorrect interface selection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity optionsVSAvoiddata transmission accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The determination unit performs preliminary detection of IP address overlap before the apparatus starts operating in direct connection mode. By checking whether the IP address in direct connection mode overlaps with the IP address in infrastructure connection mode in advance, the system prevents the harmful effect of incorrect data transmission before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of IP address overlap into a beneficial control mechanism. By detecting the overlap condition and using it as a trigger to prohibit direct connection mode operation, the system transforms what would be a harmful scenario into a protective measure that ensures reliable data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Ease of operation

If the apparatus allows simultaneous operation in infrastructure and direct connection modes, then the ease of operation and flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for IP address overlap detection and mode control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control function into distinct units: a determination unit for detecting IP address overlap and a control unit for managing connection mode operation. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system easier to implement and maintain despite the added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The determination unit automatically detects IP address overlap without requiring manual configuration or user intervention. The control unit then automatically prohibits direct connection mode when overlap is detected, making the system self-regulating and reducing the burden on users while managing the increased complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11048452B2Information processing apparatus, control method, and storage medium for determining IP addresses are overlape in direct and infrastructure modes, the information processing apparatus prohibits to operate in direct connection mode

Publication Date: 2021.06.29 CANON KK

AI summary

When an IP address for use in an infrastructure connection mode and an IP address for use in a direct connection mode overlap each other, there is a possibility that an information processing apparatus incorrectly transmits data to an interface different from an interface supposed to receive the data. Thus, the information processing apparatus is prohibited from operating in the direct connection mode in a case where the IP address for use in the infrastructure connection mode and the IP address for use in the direct connection mode overlap each other.