Network Device Map Selection via Attribute Matching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In systems that manage network devices, users face a burden when selecting a map for a device from a large number of maps, leading to increased workload.

Innovation Solution

The system assigns attribute information to map and device information, allowing only compatible map information to be selected for device placement, thereby reducing user workload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of maps and devices increases, then the system can manage more network devices and provide more map options, but the user workload increases when selecting a map for device placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of maps and devicesVSAvoiduser workload for map selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns specific attribute information (such as device type, installation location, or functional characteristics) to both maps and devices. This creates local quality differentiation where each map and device has distinctive attributes that enable targeted matching, reducing the user's search space when selecting maps for device placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces attribute information as a parameter dimension for organizing and filtering maps and devices. By changing the selection criteria from browsing all maps to filtering by matching attributes (such as device type or location), the system transforms the selection process into a parameter-based matching task that scales efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If attribute information is assigned to map and device information, then map selection is streamlined and user workload is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to attribute management requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemap selection processVSAvoidattribute information management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a universal attribute information structure that serves multiple functions: it enables filtering and selection of maps, provides metadata for organization, and supports the placement validation logic. This multi-functional use of attributes reduces the need for separate management mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assignment of attribute information to maps and devices during their creation or registration phases. This preliminary action ensures that when users need to select maps for device placement, the attribute matching is already prepared, eliminating the need for complex real-time analysis during the selection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system allows free selection of any map for any device, then user flexibility is maximized, but incorrect placements occur when device and map attributes do not correspond

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemap selection flexibilityVSAvoidplacement correctness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system checks whether the selected map's attribute information corresponds to the device's attribute information. This feedback validates the user's selection and prevents incorrect placements, while still allowing users the flexibility to choose from all maps that match the device attributes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation by comparing attribute information before allowing the placement to be finalized. This preliminary anti-action prevents incorrect placements from occurring in the first place, rather than correcting them afterward, thereby maintaining both user flexibility and placement correctness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS12267216B2Management device, control method for management device, and storage medium that provide a map of selectable network devices

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 CANON KK

AI summary

A management device, a control method thereof, and a storage medium storing a program manage network devices. Map information is managed by assigning attribute information thereto, information for a network device (management target) is managed by assigning attribute information thereto, and user information is managed by assigning attribute information thereto. When the map information becomes a placement target for a placement operation for a network device corresponding to a map selected, map information that has been assigned attribute information that does not corresponding to the attribute information for the network device is prevented from being selected. Information for a network device is displayed on a display device displaying a map based on the results of the placement operation using user selected map information.