Network Setting Verification for Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems fail to accurately notify users when an image forming apparatus is connected to the wrong network, especially after replacement, due to mismatched environment information, which can lead to incorrect network settings and connectivity issues.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a first acquisition unit for setting information, a setting unit for network configuration, and a notification unit that compares initial and post-setting environment information to alert users of potential misconnections, utilizing a low power wide area (LPWA) communication module for connectivity and management server-stored setting and environment information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automatic network setting is performed using setting information from a management apparatus, then network setup efficiency is improved, but the system cannot detect or notify users when the apparatus is connected to the wrong network

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork setup efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork connection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the information processing apparatus acquires environment information from the connected network, compares it with stored setting information from the management apparatus, and notifies users of mismatches. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic detection of incorrect network connections while maintaining automated setting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual network verification and user checking with an automated information processing system that automatically compares environment information with setting information. This substitution of manual verification with automated information processing enhances both efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the apparatus automatically performs network setting without user intervention, then ease of operation is improved, but the system cannot identify mismatches between intended and actual network environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork setting automationVSAvoidnetwork environment mismatch detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system acquires environment information from the actual network connection, compares it with the intended network settings from the management apparatus, and provides feedback to the user when mismatches are detected. This maintains automation while preventing information loss about connection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary comparison process between the setting information and environment information. This intermediary mechanism acts as a mediator to verify that the automated network setting has resulted in the intended connection, preventing silent mismatches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system stores and uses setting information from a management apparatus, then adaptability to different networks is improved, but the system lacks the capability to verify correct network connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork compatibilityVSAvoidnetwork connection verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by acquiring environment information from the connected network and comparing it with stored setting information. This enables verification of correct network connection while maintaining adaptability to different networks through the management apparatus's setting information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces difficult manual network verification with automated information comparison. The system automatically substitutes manual checking with an information processing approach that compares environment information against stored settings, making verification straightforward and reliable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11507332B2Information processing apparatus with setting of network and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program for executing information processing apparatus with setting of network

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a first acquisition unit that acquires setting information for performing a setting of a network of the apparatus, and first environment information of the network from an external management apparatus, through a communication line; a setting unit that performs the setting of the network using the setting information acquired by the first acquisition unit; a second acquisition unit that acquires second environment information of the network after execution of the setting by the setting unit; and a notification unit that notifies that the network to which the apparatus is connected is incorrect, in a case where the first environment information and the second environment information do not match.