Terminal Device Dynamic Name Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network systems require user intervention for maintaining hosts files and are prone to errors, especially when node addresses change, leading to inefficiencies and increased network load.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device with a first storage unit for registering device information, a request unit to transmit requests for node information, a reception unit to receive responses, and a registration unit to update the storage unit, allowing for self-contained name resolution without the need for a DNS server or management server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hosts file is prepared in advance in each device for name resolution, then name resolution can be achieved, but user operation is required for preparing and maintaining the hosts file which is troublesome and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvename resolution operationVSAvoidhosts file management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device automatically performs name resolution by transmitting requests to nodes and receiving device information responses, eliminating the need for manual hosts file preparation and maintenance. The system serves itself by autonomously acquiring and updating node address information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device transmits requests for device information to nodes and receives responses containing current address information. This feedback mechanism ensures the terminal device continuously updates its name resolution data, eliminating the need for manual hosts file updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If a dedicated device for name resolution (DNS server) is used, then centralized management is achieved, but network load increases and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic name resolutionVSAvoidnetwork load

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The name resolution function is segmented from centralized DNS servers and distributed to individual terminal devices. Each terminal device independently performs name resolution by directly querying nodes, eliminating the need for dedicated DNS infrastructure and reducing network load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If node addresses are changed, then network flexibility is improved, but hosts file must be manually updated which increases user operation and error risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress change flexibilityVSAvoidhosts file maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device dynamically acquires node address information by transmitting requests and receiving responses in real-time. This dynamic update mechanism automatically adapts to address changes without requiring manual hosts file modification, maintaining both flexibility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7684412B2Device for communication and program used for such device

Publication Date: 2010.03.23 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

There is provided a device connected to a network to which nodes are connected. The device is provided with a first storage unit in which information is registered, a request unit configured to transmit a request for device information concerning a name and an address of a node to the nodes, a reception unit configured to receive device information transmitted from the nodes as responses to the request, and a registration unit configured to register the device information received by the reception unit into the first storage unit.