Sub-Apparatus Mediator for Main Device Discovery in Print Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users cannot utilize a print service in a network environment when they do not recognize which image forming apparatus is the main apparatus, as the automatic search by the user terminal only finds sub-apparatuses but not the main apparatus, preventing the transmission of print jobs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an identification information configuration memory and transmission control unit in the sub-apparatus to store and transmit the main apparatus's identification information, allowing the user terminal to acquire and transmit print jobs to the main apparatus even if the user is unaware of the network environment, enabling the sub-apparatus to perform the print job.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user terminal performs automatic search to find image forming apparatuses in the network, then the user terminal can discover available devices, but the main apparatus is not found because the sub apparatus blocks the search path
Solution Approach 1:
The sub apparatus acts as an intermediary that stores and transmits the main apparatus's identification information to the user terminal. When the user terminal cannot directly discover the main apparatus through network broadcasting, it queries the sub apparatus (which is directly accessible), and the sub apparatus provides the main apparatus's identification information, enabling the user terminal to establish communication with the main apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If the user terminal displays a list of image forming apparatuses, then the user can select a device, but the main apparatus is not included in the list making the print service unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The sub apparatus serves as an intermediary information source. When the user terminal cannot obtain the main apparatus's identification information through direct network discovery, it queries the sub apparatus, which provides the stored identification information, allowing the user terminal to populate the device list with the main apparatus and enable proper device selection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sub apparatus is connected between the user terminal and the router, then the network topology is established, but the automatic search cannot find the main apparatus through the sub apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The sub apparatus, positioned as an intermediary device in the network topology, stores the main apparatus's identification information and provides it to the user terminal upon request. This allows the user terminal to discover and connect to the main apparatus even though the main apparatus is not directly accessible through standard network broadcasting due to the sub apparatus being in the communication path.
Data Source
AI summary
When a print service is used in a print system, a user terminal transmits, to an image forming apparatus configured to be a sub apparatus, enquiry information to enquire of an Internet protocol (IP) address of an image forming apparatus configured to be a main apparatus. In response to the enquiry information from the user terminal, the sub apparatus transmits to the user terminal the IP address of the main apparatus stored on a memory of the sub apparatus.