Network Interface Subnet Segmentation for Data Transmission Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing apparatuses face issues with data transmission errors due to incorrect selection of network interfaces when IP addresses from the same subnet are used, leading to ambiguity in determining the correct network interface for data transmission.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a specifying unit to identify the subnet through which data pass, a setting unit that sets a network address from a different subnet on the second network interface, and an assigning unit that leases IP addresses from the same subnet to connected devices, ensuring accurate data transmission by distinguishing between network interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If IP addresses from the same subnet are used on multiple network interfaces, then network address assignment flexibility is improved, but data transmission reliability deteriorates due to interface selection ambiguity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork address assignment flexibilityVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network address space by assigning different subnet ranges to different network interfaces (first network interface and second network interface). This segmentation prevents address confusion and enables reliable interface selection by ensuring that each interface operates in a distinct address space, thereby resolving the contradiction between address flexibility and transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by configuring specific subnet assignments for each network interface based on its functional role. The first network interface is assigned a first subnet for general network communication, while the second network interface is assigned a second subnet for direct wireless connections. This localized address allocation ensures that data transmission routes can be accurately determined based on destination address matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If IP addresses from different subnets are assigned to network interfaces, then data transmission accuracy is improved, but network configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission accuracyVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring distinct subnet assignments for each network interface before operation. The first network interface is pre-assigned a first subnet, and the second network interface is pre-assigned a second subnet. This preliminary configuration eliminates runtime ambiguity in interface selection and simplifies the transmission determination process, as the system can rely on predetermined address-space mappings rather than complex real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus acts as a group owner for direct wireless connection, then connection versatility is improved, but subnet management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection versatilityVSAvoidsubnet management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

When the apparatus functions as a group owner for direct wireless connections, the patent segments the address management by assigning a dedicated second subnet to the second network interface. This segmentation isolates the wireless direct connection address space from the general network address space, enabling independent management of each subnet without interference. The apparatus can thus maintain multiple connection types (wired network and wireless direct) with distinct address ranges, simplifying overall subnet management despite increased connection versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10003572B2Information processing apparatus and recording medium
Publication Date: 2018.06.19 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US10003572B2 patent drawing
  • US10003572B2 patent drawing
  • US10003572B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes plural network interfaces, a specifying unit, a setting unit, and an assigning unit. The plural network interfaces include a first network interface for connection of the apparatus to a network, and a second network interface for direct wireless connection of another device to the apparatus. The specifying unit specifies a subnet by way of which data transmitted from the first network interface pass. The setting unit sets a network address that belongs to a subnet that is different from the specified subnet to the second network interface. The assigning unit assigns a network address that belongs to a subnet that is the same as the network address set to the second network interface to the other device.