Train IP Address Distribution via Position-Based Table Lookup

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IP address distribution methods for trains require complex processes to assign fixed IP addresses, especially when using DHCP, and often need special functions in communication devices, making it difficult to manage and reset IP addresses efficiently.

Innovation Solution

An IP address distribution system with a device that manages a table of available IP addresses in correspondence with in-train installation positions, allowing users to select and assign fixed IP addresses based on input information, eliminating the need for special functions in communication devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If DHCP is used to distribute IP addresses, then IP address distribution is automated, but the same IP address is not always assigned to the same device and the process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIP address distribution automationVSAvoidIP address assignment simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-associates IP addresses with device MAC addresses in the IP address management table before distribution occurs. When a device requests an IP address, the system refers to this pre-established association to automatically assign the correct fixed IP address, eliminating the need for manual configuration while ensuring consistent assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If fixed IP addresses are assigned based on device arrangement in trains, then faulty devices can be immediately identified, but the system requires complex management processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice identification accuracyVSAvoidIP address management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The IP address management system automatically performs IP address assignment and tracking without requiring manual intervention. The IP address distribution device autonomously manages the IP address management table, refers to it for distribution decisions, and updates it accordingly, making the system self-sufficient and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains an IP address management table that tracks the association between IP addresses and device MAC addresses. This table provides feedback information that enables the system to automatically determine which IP address to assign to which device, ensuring consistent and accurate identification while simplifying management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If MAC address specification is required to assign the same IP address to the same device, then fixed IP assignment is achieved, but the process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIP address assignment consistencyVSAvoidassignment process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes the correspondence between IP addresses and MAC addresses in the IP address management table before actual IP address distribution. This preliminary association allows the system to automatically assign the correct fixed IP address to each device based on its MAC address without requiring manual specification during the distribution process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3223462B1IP address delivery apparatus, IP address delivery system, and IP address delivery method
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3223462B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3223462B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3223462B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An IP address distribution device 1 includes: a display 1a; a storage 33 storing an IP address management table 33a in which an IP address and an in-train installation position of a device in which the IP address needs to be used are managed in association with each other and which includes information as to whether the IP address is in use or not in use; and an IP address distribution unit 30a referring to the IP address management table 33a in response to receiving a request for an IP address from the requesting device, displaying, on the display 1a, unused IP addresses in association with the in-train installation positions, accepting input information for selecting, from among the unused IP addresses displayed on the display, an IP address corresponding to an in-train installation position of the requesting device, and selecting, from the IP address management table 33a, an IP address to be assigned to the requesting device based on the input information.