Printing Apparatus DNS Service Discovery Gateway Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face high costs and limitations when connecting external networks due to the need for gateways in multicast DNS and the requirement for near field communication support in both devices, restricting the types of terminal devices that can be used.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus that communicates with a DNS server, allowing it to register its capabilities and name resolution information, enabling clients to discover and connect to the printing service without relying on multicast DNS or near field communication, thereby reducing costs and expanding device compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multicast DNS (mDNS) is used for service discovery, then terminal devices can search for printing apparatuses, but a gateway is required for external subnetwork connection which increases system cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DNS server as an intermediary to replace the mDNS gateway. The printing apparatus registers its service information with the DNS server, which then resolves service names to IP addresses for terminal devices. This mediator approach eliminates the need for expensive mDNS gateways while maintaining service discovery functionality across subnetworks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/multicast-based mDNS system with a network-based DNS resolution system. Instead of using multicast packet transmission that requires gateway infrastructure, the system uses standard DNS queries and responses over unicast connections, substituting a complex mechanical networking requirement with a simpler software-based resolution mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If near field communication is used for connection establishment, then printing service can be provided, but both printing apparatus and terminal device need to support it which limits device compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the DNS-based service discovery system universally applicable to all terminal devices that support standard DNS protocols, rather than requiring specialized near field communication hardware. By using the widely-deployed DNS infrastructure, the system achieves multi-functionality and broad compatibility across different device types and operating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the connection establishment process from the near field communication requirement and separates it into two independent phases: service discovery through DNS (which any network device can perform) and actual connection using standard network protocols. This extraction removes the near field communication constraint while maintaining ease of operation.
3Loss of information
If multicast transmission is performed constantly within subnetwork, then service discovery is enabled, but system cost increases due to gateway requirements for external networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the printing apparatus proactively register its service information with the DNS server in advance. This pre-registration ensures service information is immediately available to terminal devices without requiring constant multicast transmission or gateway infrastructure, reducing both information loss and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The DNS server acts as an intermediary that stores and manages service information centrally, replacing the need for constant multicast transmissions. Terminal devices query the DNS server to obtain service information, eliminating the requirement for continuous multicast traffic and expensive gateway infrastructure while maintaining complete service information availability.
Data Source
AI summary
An MFP communicates with a DNS server through a network. This MFP includes an operation unit that sets whether a printing service is activated or not and a controller unit that registers search information in which capability information provided for a client terminal and information relating to name resolution are associated with each other in the DNS server in accordance with activation of the printing service being set by this operation unit.