Printer IP Address Identification in Mixed Wi-Fi Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in identifying the IP address of a printer when a response packet is not received in an expected manner after broadcasting, particularly in wireless network environments where both Wi-Fi AP and WFD connections are used, leading to unpredictable IP address acquisition.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a multi-step approach using a connection unit to broadcast packets, unicast packets to a default address, and if necessary, obtaining network connection state information to identify the printer's IP address, ensuring successful communication and print data transmission even without an immediate broadcast response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If broadcasting is performed on WFD connection to identify printer IP address, then IP address can be obtained in some cases, but response packet may not be received or it takes time when both Wi-Fi AP and WFD connections are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IP address identification process into multiple independent methods: broadcast method, unicast to default address method, and network state analysis method. Each method is attempted in sequence, dividing the overall task into manageable steps that can be executed independently to improve reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first attempting broadcast identification, then unicast to default address, and finally analyzing network connection state. This staged approach prepares multiple identification paths in advance, ensuring that if one method fails, subsequent methods are already ready to be executed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection paths (Wi-Fi AP and WFD) are available for printer communication, then communication flexibility is improved, but IP address acquisition becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic IP address identification process that adapts to the actual network connection state. The system dynamically selects which identification method to use based on whether the connection is via Wi-Fi AP or WFD, making the process flexible and predictable simultaneously by adjusting behavior according to conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification approach based on network parameters. When WFD connection is detected, the system changes from standard broadcast identification to unicast identification to the default address, adjusting the identification parameter according to the connection type to ensure predictability.
3Measurement precision
If broadcast packet is sent to identify printer address, then address can be identified from response packet, but the process fails when printer does not respond
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares cushioning measures in advance by having multiple identification methods ready. When broadcast identification fails to receive a response, the system immediately switches to unicast identification to the default address, and if that fails, analyzes network connection state to derive the address, ensuring high success rate without wasting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary methods between direct broadcast identification and final address acquisition. When broadcast fails, the system uses unicast to default address as an intermediary step, and if that fails, uses network state analysis as another intermediary to ultimately obtain the printer address, ensuring continuous progress toward the goal.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus over a wireless network broadcasts a packet to the wireless network to identify the current address of the image forming apparatus, unicasts a packet to a default address of the image forming apparatus to identify the current address of the image forming apparatus, or identifies the current address of the image forming apparatus based on an address of the information processing apparatus in the wireless network and information regarding a connection state of the network of the information processing apparatus so that the current address of the image forming apparatus can be identified to transmit print data to the identified address.