Communication Interface Selection via Network Number Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems fail to accurately identify a communication route to a communication destination solely based on DNS server name resolution, especially when an information processing apparatus is connected to multiple networks.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that determines the appropriate communication interface to use by matching the network number of a communication destination's address with correspondence information stored for each network interface, allowing the information processing apparatus to connect to the correct network interface for data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If DNS server name resolution is used to identify communication destination, then name resolution can be performed, but communication route identification becomes unreliable in complex network configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication route identification accuracyVSAvoidroute identification reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network identification process into two independent parts: DNS-based name resolution for obtaining destination addresses, and network number-based interface selection for route determination. By separating these functions, the system can reliably identify communication routes even when DNS resolution succeeds, because the route selection is based on network number matching rather than relying solely on DNS results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces network number matching as an intermediary mechanism between DNS resolution and actual communication. The network number extraction and matching process acts as a mediator that verifies and determines the correct communication interface, ensuring reliable route identification independent of DNS server capabilities or configuration complexities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication interfaces are provided for connecting to multiple networks, then network connectivity is improved, but difficulty in identifying correct communication interface increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidcommunication interface selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by associating specific network numbers with specific communication interfaces. Each interface is characterized by its connected network's network number, creating a unique local identifier for each interface. This allows the system to automatically select the correct interface by matching the destination's network number with the local interface's network number, simplifying interface selection despite having multiple interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter used for interface selection from generic interface identification to network number matching. By extracting and comparing network numbers (derived from IP addresses and subnet masks), the system creates a reliable parameter for interface selection that automatically adapts to multiple network configurations without increasing selection difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If correspondence information between network numbers and communication interfaces is maintained, then accurate route identification is achieved, but information storage and management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroute identification accuracyVSAvoidinformation management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing network numbers for each connected network when the communication interfaces are initialized. This network number information is maintained in correspondence tables, so when communication is needed, the system can quickly match destination network numbers with stored interface network numbers without complex real-time calculations, reducing information management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240333555A1Communication system, non-transitory computer readable medium, and communication method

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A communication system for an information processing apparatus including plural communication interfaces for connecting to plural networks, includes one or plural processors configured to: determine, based on correspondence information in which a network number of each of the plural networks accessible via a gateway on the network that the information processing apparatus is able to connect to and a communication interface used for connecting to the gateway are associated with each other, a communication interface to be used for connecting to a network having a network number that matches a network number of an address of a communication destination from among the plural communication interfaces; and connect to the communication destination using the determined communication interface.