Network Controller for USB Printer Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses cannot simply control internal equipment without network support from an external apparatus via a network, as they lack the capability to communicate with internal USB equipment that does not support network connections.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with control equipment that communicates via a network and internal equipment using a different communication method, where the controller generates identification information based on obtained equipment information and transmits it to an external apparatus upon inquiry, enabling control of internal USB equipment without network support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If internal equipment does not support network connection, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but network control capability and adaptability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator component that translates between network communication protocols and local equipment communication protocols. This intermediary enables external apparatuses to control internal equipment indirectly through protocol conversion, resolving the contradiction by maintaining simple equipment design while achieving network control capability through the mediating translation layer
2Ease of operation
If identification information is stored in removable memory, then ease of operation is improved, but data security and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into removable memory for user-accessible data and non-removable memory for critical identification information. This segmentation allows the system to maintain ease of operation for general data while ensuring data security and reliability for essential identification data that must persist across system configurations
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes: a CPU board configured to communicate with an external apparatus via a network and including a CPU; and a printer being an internal equipment configured to communicate with the CPU board by a communication method different from a communication method used between the CPU board and the network and having a USB device descriptor, wherein the CPU obtains the USB device descriptor from the printer and generates identification information corresponding to the printer based on the obtained USB device descriptor, and when the CPU receives an inquiry request to the printer from the external apparatus, the CPU transmits first response information indicating the generated identification information to the external apparatus.