Packet Communication Device Autonomous Mode Selection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packet communication devices require manual intervention by a system administrator or dedicated software to set an appropriate operation mode based on the connection environment, and they necessitate a physical device for this configuration.

Innovation Solution

A packet communication device that autonomously selects an appropriate operation mode by using a connection interface unit to connect to an external device, an external device discrimination unit to recognize and respond to connection notifications, and an operation mode switching unit to conform to the connection environment, eliminating the need for physical devices or dedicated software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual intervention by system administrator or management software is used to set operation mode, then appropriate operation mode can be selected according to connection environment, but system complexity increases and requires dedicated software

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation mode selection accuracyVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packet communication device autonomously determines its own operation mode by detecting connection environment and processing management packets, eliminating the need for external system administrators or dedicated configuration software. The device performs self-configuration through automatic recognition of connection status and autonomous selection of appropriate operation modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses management packets exchanged between devices to provide feedback about connection environment. The packet communication device receives management packets containing connection information, processes this feedback, and automatically adjusts its operation mode based on the received information about the external connection environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical device or dedicated software is used to set operation mode, then operation mode can be configured according to connection environment, but device complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection environment adaptationVSAvoidconfiguration device requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packet communication device autonomously determines its own operation mode by detecting connection environment and processing management packets, eliminating the need for external system administrators or dedicated configuration software. The device performs self-configuration through automatic recognition of connection status and autonomous selection of appropriate operation modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The packet communication device integrates multiple functions including connection environment detection, management packet processing, and operation mode selection within a single device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated configuration devices or software, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability to different connection environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If operation mode is set manually before system operation, then appropriate mode can be selected, but risk of incorrect mode selection during operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation mode correctnessVSAvoidmode selection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The packet communication device performs operation mode determination in advance by detecting connection environment before starting normal data communication operations. The device processes management packets and selects the appropriate operation mode beforehand, ensuring correct mode selection is established before service begins, thereby preventing incorrect mode operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses management packets exchanged between devices to provide feedback about connection environment. The packet communication device receives management packets containing connection information, processes this feedback, and automatically adjusts its operation mode based on the received information about the external connection environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8352655B2Packet communication device which selects an appropriate operation mode

Publication Date: 2013.01.08 NEC CORP

AI summary

A packet communication device autonomously selects an appropriate operation mode according to a connection environment to an external device before a service of the device is started. When the device is connected to the external buses, connection interface units notify an external device discrimination unit of connection of the device. The external device discrimination unit issues a polling packet to the connected device, discriminates the connected external device on the basis of the response packet, and notifies an operation mode switching unit. The operation mode switching unit selects an operation mode conforming to a connection environment of the packet communication device to the external device and switches the operation mode of the device to the mode. The selection of the operation modes is completed before the entire device or a portion of the device which is influenced by the selection of the operation mode starts a service to the external device to which the packet communication device is connected.