Modular Display IP Allocation via Virtual Ethernet Port Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses providing images through modular display apparatuses face difficulties in allocating IP addresses due to the lack of a display, making it challenging for users to check and allocate IP addresses before connecting to the modular display apparatus.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus is configured with a pre-allocated IP address, allowing it to communicate with a display apparatus and facilitate easy IP address allocation to multiple display modules, enabling screen control while checking the display apparatus screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the electronic apparatus does not have a display, then the device structure is simpler and cost is reduced, but the user cannot check the IP address before connection making setup difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidIP address allocation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary that has a display and can communicate with both the user and the electronic apparatus. This control device receives IP address allocation signals and transmits them to the electronic apparatus, mediating between the user's need to configure the system and the electronic apparatus's lack of display capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic apparatus is designed to automatically receive and process IP address allocation signals from the control device without requiring manual configuration through a display interface. The system performs self-service by accepting automated signals for IP address allocation and screen setting, eliminating the need for user interaction through a display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If IP address allocation requires manual input through a control device, then network connection can be established, but the setup process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connection reliabilityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is pre-configured with the capability to allocate IP addresses and perform screen settings before the electronic apparatus operates. The system prepares the network configuration in advance by transmitting allocation signals that contain IP address information and display parameters, so that when the electronic apparatus receives these signals, the configuration is already prepared and can be applied immediately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic apparatus transmits signals to the control device indicating its screen specifications and network status. The control device uses this feedback information to appropriately allocate IP addresses and configure screen settings, creating a closed-loop configuration process that adapts to the actual device characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If the electronic apparatus receives configuration signals from a control device, then proper network and display configuration is achieved, but a network connection must be established beforehand adding complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidnetwork connection setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a configuration tool for IP address allocation and as a display device for showing allocated IP addresses and screen settings. This universal device handles multiple tasks including signal transmission, display output, and user interaction, reducing the need for separate dedicated configuration hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4006712B1Electronic device and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4006712B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4006712B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4006712B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic apparatus communicating with a display apparatus including a plurality of display modules is disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes an Ethernet switch, and a processor connected to the Ethernet switch and including a virtual Ethernet port to which an IP address is pre-allocated, wherein the processor is configured to configure a network with an external electronic apparatus based on the pre-allocated Internet Protocol(IP) address, and based on a signal for setting a screen of a display module connected to a port of the Ethernet switch being received from the external electronic apparatus through the network, control the Ethernet switch to transmit the signal for setting the screen to the display module.