Printer Network Source Identification via Driver Packet Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In office buildings where multiple companies share a printer, existing technologies struggle to accurately distinguish the transmission source network for documents output to shared paper ejection trays, leading to potential security risks and management issues.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus connected to multiple networks, equipped with device drivers and circuitry that determines the network of a transmission source device based on received packet information, using a correspondence table to direct printed documents to the correct paper ejection tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single printer is shared by multiple companies on the same floor, then management costs and occupied area are reduced, but documents from different networks may be mixed in the same ejection tray causing security risks and management issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the document ejection process by creating separate ejection trays for different networks. The printer includes a first ejection tray for documents from the first network and a second ejection tray for documents from the second network, physically separating documents from different companies to prevent mixing while sharing the same printer hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the network identification module and correspondence table - that mediates between the shared printer and multiple networks. This intermediary identifies which network a document belongs to and directs it to the appropriate ejection tray, enabling both sharing and separation.
2Measurement precision
If additional routers are deployed to distinguish transmission source networks, then network identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the printer to self-identify transmission source networks using its existing device drivers and packet reception capabilities. The printer's circuitry determines which device driver received a packet and uses this information to identify the transmission source network, eliminating the need for additional routers or external identification devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the printer multi-functional by enabling it to perform both printing and network identification functions. The same device drivers that facilitate printer sharing across networks are also used to identify the transmission source network, eliminating the need for separate identification hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus connected to a plurality of networks, includes: a plurality of device drivers each of which is receives a packet from each of the networks; and circuitry determines a network to which a transmission source device of the packet belongs based on information indicating which of the device drivers has received the packet.