Network Device Communication Status Confirmation via Preliminary Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication settings between computers and printers connected to a network often fail to confirm whether communication is possible when print driver settings are missing or incorrect, making it difficult to diagnose and restore communication errors.
Innovation Solution
A computer program that searches for connected devices, displays selection screens with identification information, and compares device settings with stored communication information to determine if communication is possible, providing a UI to notify users of mismatches or missing settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a print driver is not installed or a user deletes a printer driver, then print queue information is lost, but it becomes impossible to confirm whether communication with the printer is possible or to perform restoration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary device search and setting information acquisition before actual communication is needed. By searching for devices and obtaining their setting information in advance, the system prepares communication parameters beforehand, enabling confirmation of communication possibility even when print queue information is lost or drivers are deleted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by displaying search results and setting information to users, and by determining whether communication is possible based on acquired information. This feedback loop allows users to confirm communication status and understand what setting information exists, enabling informed decisions about restoration needs.
2Ease of repair
If setting information with a partner apparatus does not exist or disappears, then communication cannot be confirmed, but the system should be able to restore setting information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically searching for partner devices and acquiring their setting information without requiring manual user input. The automatic device search and information acquisition enable the system to restore communication settings autonomously, making repair easy even when setting information is lost.
Solution Approach 2:
By performing device search and information acquisition in advance, the system prepares restoration data before it is needed. This preliminary action ensures that when setting information is lost, the system can quickly retrieve and restore the necessary communication parameters.
3Ease of operation
If the system searches for devices and displays selection screens, then users can confirm communication status, but the operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a simplified representation (copy) of the actual device communication status by displaying search results and setting information on selection screens. Instead of requiring complex direct device interactions, the system presents a user-friendly interface that copies essential communication status information, making confirmation easy while managing interface complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus connected to a network executes search processing of searching for a device connected to the network, displays a selection screen including identification information corresponding to the device connected to the network based on a search result of the search processing, and designates a device based on operation of a user using the selection screen. In response to designation of the device, based on setting information for communication stored in the apparatus and information of the designated device obtained by the search processing, the apparatus displays a screen indicating whether it is possible to communicate with the designated device using the setting information.