MFP Network Controller Routing Tables for Multi-Network IP Conflict Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large-scale communication systems, determining the correct network device for communication data transmission is challenging when multiple networks with the same IP address are connected to a single information processing apparatus, leading to potential misrouting of data.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a multifunction peripheral (MFP) with a network controller that utilizes connection, application routing, transport routing, network identifier routing, and network routing setting tables to determine the correct routing destination for communication data, ensuring accurate transmission even when multiple network devices share the same IP address.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple networks with the same IP address are connected to one information processing apparatus, then network resource sharing and cost reduction are achieved, but routing accuracy deteriorates and data may be transmitted to inappropriate devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resource sharingVSAvoidrouting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the routing decision process into multiple hierarchical tables: connection routing table, application routing table, transport routing table, network identifier routing table, and network routing table. Each table handles a specific aspect of routing determination, breaking down the complex problem of multi-network routing into manageable segments that can be processed sequentially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multiple intermediary routing tables that act as mediators between the communication data and the final routing destination. These tables store pre-configured routing information and intermediate routing decisions, serving as intermediaries that guide the routing process through multiple layers of abstraction before reaching the final network device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple networks are connected to one information processing apparatus, then installing space and management cost are reduced, but determination of correct communication destination becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstalling spaceVSAvoiddestination determination difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The routing determination process is segmented into multiple specialized tables, each handling a specific aspect of routing information. This segmentation allows the system to manage complex multi-network routing without requiring a single monolithic routing mechanism, making the overall system more manageable despite the increased complexity of connecting multiple networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring routing information in multiple routing tables before actual data transmission occurs. The connection routing table, application routing table, and other routing tables are populated with routing rules in advance, enabling rapid and accurate routing decisions without complex real-time calculations when data needs to be transmitted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If conventional routing methods are used in multi-network environments with same IP addresses, then system simplicity is maintained, but data transmission accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoiddata transmission accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single complex routing table or conventional routing method, the patent segments the routing function into multiple specialized tables. This segmentation maintains relative system simplicity by using standard routing table structures repeatedly, while achieving high transmission accuracy through the cumulative filtering and routing decisions made at each table level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds another dimension to the routing process by introducing hierarchical routing tables that operate at different levels of abstraction. Rather than relying on a single routing dimension (IP address), the system adds dimensions such as connection type, application protocol, transport layer information, and network identifier, creating a multi-dimensional routing approach that significantly improves accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3379779B1Information processing apparatus, communication system, method of controlling communication route, and carrier means

Publication Date: 2020.03.11 RICOH CO LTD

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AI summary

An information processing apparatus (100) connectable to a plurality of networks (Net A, Net_B, Net_C) includes circuitry to determine, when to transmit communication data to a network device (PC, SV, R) connected to the information processing apparatus (100) via at least one of the plurality of networks, a network of a routing destination of the communication data to be transmitted to the network device, the network of the routing destination being a network associated with at least one of a user of a transmission destination of the communication data and a used port number of the communication data, and transmit the communication data to the network determined as the routing destination.