Network Interface Power Management via IP Address Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In information processing devices like printers, both wireless and wired interfaces are typically left active, increasing power consumption, and existing solutions that shut down one interface to save power prevent external devices from accessing the printer due to associated IP addresses.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device with a network connection determination processor, identification number setting processor, and stop-startup processor that determines when both interfaces are on the same network and sets one interface's network identification number in the other, allowing one interface to be shut down while maintaining access through the other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If one interface is stopped to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but external devices cannot access the printer through the stopped interface
Solution Approach 1:
The active interface serves dual functions: it acts as the primary communication interface for power-saving operation and simultaneously provides access for all external devices by being assigned both its own IP address and the IP address of the stopped interface. This multi-functionality allows a single interface to replace what previously required two active interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the network identification functionality of two separate interfaces into one interface. The active interface combines both its original network identity and the identity of the stopped interface, allowing all devices to access the printer through this single merged interface while the other interface remains inactive to save power.
2Reliability
If both wireless and wired interfaces are left active, then access reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of network interfaces based on actual communication needs. Instead of maintaining both interfaces in a static active state, the system activates only the necessary interface while keeping the other in a low-power state, and can switch between interfaces as needed to maintain reliable access while optimizing power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more embodiments may relate to an information processing device connectable to a network and including interfaces in which network identification numbers can be set. The information processing device may include: a network connection determination processor that determines whether or not first and second interfaces of the interfaces are connected on a same network; an identification number setting processor that sets, when the first and second interfaces are connected on the same network, a network identification number of one of the first and second interfaces in the other interface; and a stop-startup processor that stops the one of the first and second interfaces.