Printer Access Switching Across LAN and Mapped Network Addresses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices, such as printers, cannot be automatically accessed when the network environment of a user's terminal changes, leading to a poor user experience due to the need for manual reconfiguration of network addresses.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that saves both LAN configuration and mapping network addresses of a target image forming device in a pre-configured list on a mobile terminal, allowing automatic selection of the appropriate access method based on the network environment, ensuring continued access even when the network changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal stores only LAN configuration information of the image forming device, then the access process is simple when in the same LAN, but the terminal cannot access the device when network environment changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network address configuration into distinct components: LAN configuration information (for local network access) and mapping network address (for remote network access). This segmentation allows the terminal to store different types of access information separately and select the appropriate one based on the current network environment, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of access methods based on network environment detection. The terminal automatically determines whether to use LAN configuration information or mapping network address according to the current network status, enabling adaptive access without requiring manual reconfiguration when network changes occur.
2Reliability
If the terminal manually reconfigures network addresses when network environment changes, then access can be maintained across networks, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the terminal to automatically detect its current network environment and self-determine the appropriate access method without user intervention. The system automatically selects between LAN configuration information and mapping network address based on network status, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration while maintaining reliable access across different networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates network environment detection as a feedback mechanism. The terminal continuously monitors its network status and uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the access method, ensuring continuous and reliable access to the image forming device without requiring manual user input when network changes occur.
3Extent of automation
If the terminal stores both LAN configuration information and mapping network address, then automatic access across networks is enabled, but the storage requirement and information management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration information into distinct categories (LAN configuration information and mapping network address) with clear purposes. This segmentation organizes the stored information logically, making it easier to manage and select the appropriate type based on network environment, thereby enabling automation without overwhelming complexity in information management.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device accessing method includes acquiring access network information of a target image forming device; determining whether the target image forming device and a mobile terminal are in a same local area network (LAN) according to the access network information; when the target image forming device and the mobile terminal are in the same LAN, accessing the target image forming device according to LAN configuration information of the target image forming device in a pre-configured device list of the mobile terminal; and when the target image forming device and the mobile terminal are not in the same LAN, accessing the target image forming device according to a mapping network address corresponding to the target image forming device in the pre-configured device list of the mobile terminal, where the pre-configured device list includes the LAN configuration information of the target image forming device and the mapping network address.