U.S. patent application number 15/807686 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-09 for location-based address adapter and system.
The applicant listed for this patent is FUNAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Lucas D. Barkley, Bruce A. Deboard, Brian T. Jones, Michael A. Marra, III, James J. Tocash.
Application Number | 20190138478 15/807686 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63678371 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190138478 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones; Brian T. ; et
al. |
May 9, 2019 |
LOCATION-BASED ADDRESS ADAPTER AND SYSTEM
Abstract
A location-based address adapter for use in a system to
facilitate communication between a host computer and one peripheral
device of a plurality of peripheral devices includes a body and an
electrical circuit. The body is removably attached to one
peripheral device at a time. The electrical circuit includes a
communications interface circuit and an adapter memory circuit. The
communications interface circuit has a respective pass-through
wired connection between each of a plurality of input connectors
and a plurality of output connectors to facilitate bi-directional
communications between the host computer and the peripheral device.
The adapter memory circuit stores a unique physical location
address for association with a physical location associated with
the peripheral device to which the body is attached. The unique
physical location address is a non-network based address. The
memory circuit has a memory connector to facilitate direct
electrical communicative connection only with the respective
peripheral device.
Inventors: |
Jones; Brian T.; (Lexington,
KY) ; Marra, III; Michael A.; (Lexington, KY)
; Deboard; Bruce A.; (Georgetown, KY) ; Tocash;
James J.; (Lexington, KY) ; Barkley; Lucas D.;
(Lexington, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FUNAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
63678371 |
Appl. No.: |
15/807686 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/18 20130101;
G06F 13/126 20130101; H04L 61/10 20130101; H04L 61/609 20130101;
H04L 67/16 20130101; G06F 13/404 20130101; G06F 9/4411 20130101;
G06F 13/387 20130101; G06F 1/266 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 13/40 20060101
G06F013/40; G06F 13/38 20060101 G06F013/38; G06F 9/44 20060101
G06F009/44; G06F 1/26 20060101 G06F001/26; G06F 13/12 20060101
G06F013/12 |
Claims
1. A location-based address adapter to facilitate communication
between a host computer and one peripheral device of a plurality of
peripheral devices, the location-based address adapter comprising:
a body removably attachable to each peripheral device of the
plurality of peripheral devices, but removably attached to only one
peripheral device at a time; and an electrical circuit that
includes a communications interface circuit and an adapter memory
circuit, the communications interface circuit having a plurality of
communication input connectors, a plurality of communication output
connectors, and a respective pass-through wired connection between
each of the plurality of communication input connectors and the
plurality of communication output connectors to facilitate
bi-directional communications between the host computer and a
respective peripheral device to which the body is attached, the
adapter memory circuit storing a unique physical location address
to be associated with a physical location associated with the
peripheral device to which the body is attached, the unique
physical location address being a non-network based address, the
memory circuit having a memory connector to facilitate direct
electrical communicative connection only with the respective
peripheral device and not to the host computer.
2. The location-based address adapter of claim 1, the electrical
circuit including an electrical power circuit, the electrical power
circuit having a power input connector, a power output connector,
and a pass-through connection between the power input connector and
the power output connector, the power input connector facilitating
electrical connection to an external power source and the power
output connector facilitating electrical connection to the
respective peripheral device to which the body is attached.
3. The location-based address adapter of claim 2, wherein the body
includes: a recessed region having a side wall where each of the
plurality of communication input connectors and the power input
connector is accessed; and a hinged door pivotably attached to the
body to cover the plurality of communication input connectors and
the power input connector, the hinged door having at least one
aperture to accommodate at least one communication cable and a
power cable for attachment to the plurality of communication input
connectors and the power input connector, respectively, with the
hinged door closed.
4. A system having a plurality of peripheral devices at a plurality
of peripheral device physical locations, comprising: a host
computer having a host processor circuit and a host memory circuit,
the host memory circuit being communicatively coupled to the host
processor circuit, the host memory circuit including a mapping
library that stores a plurality of address maps, each address map
having a respective unique physical location address and an
associated respective peripheral device network address; a first
peripheral device of the plurality of peripheral devices, the first
peripheral device having a first housing; a first location-based
address adapter removably attached to the first housing, the first
location-based address adapter having a first communications
interface circuit and a first adapter memory circuit, the first
communications interface circuit being connected in electrical
communication with the first peripheral device and with the host
computer, the first adapter memory circuit storing a first unique
physical location address to be associated with a first physical
location of the plurality of peripheral device physical locations,
the first unique physical location address being a first
non-network based address, the first adapter memory circuit being
communicatively connected only to the first peripheral device.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first peripheral device
includes a first peripheral device processor circuit that executes
program instructions to retrieve the first unique physical location
address from the first adapter memory circuit of the first
location-based address adapter when the first location-based
address adapter is initially connected to the first housing of the
first peripheral device.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first peripheral device
processor circuit executes program instructions to establish a
first address map that associates the first unique physical
location address stored in the first adapter memory circuit of the
first location-based address adapter with a first peripheral device
network address associated with the first peripheral device.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first peripheral device
processor circuit executes program instructions to respond to a
broadcast request for available services from the host computer by
broadcasting the first address map.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the host processor circuit
executes program instructions to receive the broadcasted first
address map and to store the first address map in the mapping
library.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the host processor circuit
executes program instructions to: run a client application program;
receive a first user input command, wherein the first user input
command identifies the first physical location to be a recipient
for a first peripheral communications packet, and in response to
the first user input command, the client application program uses
the first unique physical location address associated with the
first physical location to identify the first address map stored in
the mapping library; retrieve the first peripheral device network
address associated with the first unique physical location address
from the first address map; and use the first peripheral device
network address to send the first peripheral communications packet
to the first peripheral device through the first location-based
address adapter.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the first peripheral device
processor circuit executes program instructions to: determine if
the first peripheral device network address associated with the
first peripheral device has changed to a new network address;
update the first address map to associate the first unique physical
location address with the new network address of the first
peripheral device; and broadcast the updated first address map
associated with the first unique physical location to update the
availability of the first peripheral device to the system.
11. The system of claim 6, wherein the first peripheral device is
powered ON when the first location-based address adapter is
attached to the first peripheral device and the first peripheral
device is powered OFF when the first location-based address adapter
is detached from the first peripheral device, wherein when the
first peripheral device is powered ON, the first peripheral device
processor circuit executes program instructions to update the first
address map for any change in the first peripheral device network
address associated with the first peripheral device.
12. A system having a plurality of peripheral devices at a
plurality of peripheral device physical locations, comprising: a
host computer having a host processor circuit and a host memory
circuit, the host memory circuit being communicatively coupled to a
host processor circuit, the host memory circuit including a mapping
library that stores a plurality of address maps, each address map
having a respective unique physical location address and an
associated respective peripheral device network address; a first
peripheral device of the plurality of peripheral devices, the first
peripheral device having a first housing; a second peripheral
device of the plurality of peripheral devices, the second
peripheral device having a second housing; a first location-based
address adapter removably attached to the first housing, the first
location-based address adapter having a first communications
interface circuit and a first adapter memory circuit, the first
communications interface circuit being connected in electrical
communication with the first peripheral device and with the host
computer, the first adapter memory circuit for storing a first
unique physical location address to be associated with a first
physical location of the plurality of peripheral device physical
locations, the first unique physical location address being a first
non-network based address, the first adapter memory circuit being
communicatively connected only to the first peripheral device; and
a second location-based address adapter removably attached to the
second housing, the second location-based address adapter having a
second communications interface circuit and a second adapter memory
circuit, the second communications interface circuit being
connected in electrical communication with the second peripheral
device and the host computer, the second adapter memory circuit
storing a second unique physical location address to be associated
with a second physical location of the plurality of peripheral
device physical locations, the second unique physical location
address being a second non-network based address, the second
adapter memory circuit being communicatively connected only to the
second peripheral device.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein: the first peripheral device
includes a first peripheral device processor circuit that executes
program instructions to retrieve the first unique physical location
address from the first adapter memory circuit of the first
location-based address adapter when the first location-based
address adapter is initially connected to the first housing of the
first peripheral device; and the second peripheral device includes
a second peripheral device processor circuit that executes program
instructions to retrieve the second unique physical location
address from the second adapter memory circuit of the second
location-based address adapter when the second location-based
address adapter is initially connected to the second housing of the
second peripheral device.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein: the first peripheral device
processor circuit executes program instructions to establish a
first address map that associates the first unique physical
location address stored in the first adapter memory circuit of the
first location-based address adapter with a first peripheral device
network address associated with the first peripheral device; and
the second peripheral device processor circuit executes program
instructions to establish a second address map that associates the
second unique physical location address stored in the second
adapter memory circuit of the second location-based address adapter
with a second peripheral device network address associated with the
second peripheral device.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein: the first peripheral device
processor circuit executes program instructions to respond to a
broadcast request for available services from the host computer by
broadcasting the first address map; and the second peripheral
device processor circuit executes program instructions to respond
to the broadcast request for available services from the host
computer by broadcasting the second address map.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the host processor circuit
executes program instructions to receive each of the broadcasted
first address map and the broadcasted second address map and to
store each of the first address map and the second address map in
the mapping library.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the host processor circuit
executes program instructions to: run a client application program;
receive a first user input command, wherein the first user input
command identifies the first physical location to be a recipient
for a first peripheral communications packet, and in response to
the first user input command, the client application program uses
the first unique physical location address associated with the
first physical location to identify the first address map stored in
the mapping library; retrieve the first peripheral device network
address associated with the first unique physical location address
from the first address map; use the first peripheral device network
address to send the first peripheral communications packet to the
first peripheral device through the first location-based address
adapter; receive a second user input command, wherein the second
user input command identifies the second physical location to be a
recipient for a second peripheral communications packet, and in
response to the second user input command, the client application
program uses the second unique physical location address associated
with the second physical location to identify the second address
map stored in the mapping library; retrieve the second peripheral
device network address associated with the second unique physical
location address from the second address map; and use the second
peripheral device network address to send the second peripheral
communications packet to the second peripheral device through the
second location-based address adapter.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein upon a reboot of a network
router, the first peripheral device processor circuit executes
program instructions to: update the first address map to associate
the first unique physical location address with a first new network
address; and broadcast the updated first address map associated
with the first physical location to update the availability of the
first peripheral device to the system.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein upon a reboot of a network
router, the second peripheral device processor circuit executes
program instructions to: update the second address map to associate
the second unique physical location address with a second new
network address; and broadcast the updated second address map
associated with the second physical location to update the
availability of the second peripheral device to the system.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the client application program
is never aware of a respective network address associated with any
of the plurality of peripheral devices.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to address assignment of a
peripheral device, and, more particularly, to a location-based
address adapter and system to facilitate simple replacement of a
peripheral device at a physical location.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] In many systems, a peripheral device is assigned to a
location or to a base product within the system, and commands are
addressed to the peripheral device based on the location or the
assigned base product. As such, the replacement of the peripheral
device at the location may be complicated because the address is
associated with the peripheral device, and thus may require someone
skilled in information technology (IT) to perform the peripheral
replacement.
[0004] When devices on separate systems are to cooperate to provide
a particular capability, e.g., printing, to the end user, then a
mapping between the separate systems must be created and
maintained. This mapping association is maintained in order to
provide seamless and continuous function to the user.
[0005] For example, assume that a retail store has two separate
systems within the store: namely, a point-of-sale (POS) system and
an awards system that prints coupons relevant to a customer. The
POS system may have multiple computerized cash registers, and the
awards system may have multiple printers, with each printer
associated with a particular physical location, such as a customer
lane, within the store. The awards system receives information from
the POS system about the item that is being purchased and sends the
appropriate coupon images to the particular printer at the
corresponding customer lane. The awards system must maintain a
mapping between the POS device, e.g., a computerized cash register
and the address of the printer associated with the particular
physical location in the store.
[0006] If the printers communicate with the awards system via a
network, then each network printer is addressed by its respective
internet protocol (IP) address. However, a problem arises if a
particular printer must be replaced. Since the network address
generally moves with the printer, the map maintained by the awards
system software becomes invalid, and the awards system must be
reprogrammed to communicate with the new printer. In other words,
in existing systems, the old printer cannot be easily and simply
replaced with a new printer.
[0007] It is also known to address printers in a manner that does
not rely on the network IP address of the printer. For example,
Internet Protocol Printing (IPP) is an example of a method by which
printers may also be addressed based on capability. However, IPP
does not facilitate addressing a printer based on the physical
location of the printer.
[0008] Also, it is known to maintain a map of communication bus
nodes to physical locations (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,119).
For example, IEEE 1394 is an interface standard that has a tree
addressing structure, wherein the communication bus nodes are
addressed based on their logical location in the tree addressing
structure. A physical location of the peripheral may then be
implied based on the logical location of the peripheral device,
e.g., printer, on the communication bus. The content is delivered
to the peripheral device over another (IP based) network. The
network address (IP) of the peripheral device is communicated over
the control bus and the content can be delivered to the correct
location.
[0009] It is also known to use an adapter in a network (see, e.g.,
U.S. Publication No. 2009/0262382), wherein the adapter is
positioned between an Ethernet cable and a printer, and wherein the
adapter has a stored IP or media access control (MAC) address that
may be associated with a particular location. However, such an
approach is dependent upon standard MAC-to-IP mapping of an IP
based network.
[0010] What is needed in the art is a location-based address
adapter, and associated system, wherein the location-based address
adapter defines a physical location address that is non-network
based, and which is used to communicate with any peripheral device
that is communicatively coupled to the location-based address
adapter, to thereby facilitate simple replacement of a peripheral
device communicatively coupled to the location-based address
adapter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides a location-based address
adapter, and associated system, wherein the location-based address
adapter defines a physical location address that is non-network
based, and which is used to communicate with any peripheral device
that is communicatively coupled to the location-based address
adapter, to thereby facilitate simple replacement of a peripheral
device communicatively coupled to the location-based address
adapter.
[0012] The invention, in one form, is directed to a location-based
address adapter to facilitate communication between a host computer
and one peripheral device of a plurality of peripheral devices. The
location-based address adapter includes a body and an electrical
circuit. The body is removably attachable to each peripheral device
of the plurality of peripheral devices, but is removably attached
to only one peripheral device at a time. The electrical circuit
includes a communications interface circuit and an adapter memory
circuit. The communications interface circuit has a plurality of
communication input connectors, a plurality of communication output
connectors, and a respective pass-through wired connection between
each of the plurality of communication input connectors and the
plurality of communication output connectors to facilitate
bi-directional communications between the host computer and a
respective peripheral device to which the body is attached. The
adapter memory circuit stores a unique physical location address to
be associated with a physical location associated with the
peripheral device to which the body is attached. The unique
physical location address is a non-network based address. The
memory circuit has a memory connector to facilitate direct
electrical communicative connection only with the respective
peripheral device and not to the host computer.
[0013] The invention, in another form, is directed to a system
having a plurality of peripheral devices at a plurality of
peripheral device physical locations. A host computer has a host
processor circuit and a host memory circuit. The host memory
circuit is communicatively coupled to the host processor circuit.
The host memory circuit includes a mapping library that stores a
plurality of address maps. Each address map has a respective unique
physical location address and an associated respective peripheral
device network address. A peripheral device of the plurality of
peripheral devices has a housing. A location-based address adapter
is removably attached to the housing. The location-based address
adapter has a communications interface circuit and an adapter
memory circuit. The communications interface circuit is connected
in electrical communication with the peripheral device and with the
host computer. The adapter memory circuit stores a unique physical
location address to be associated with a physical location of the
plurality of peripheral device physical locations. The unique
physical location address is a non-network based address. The
adapter memory circuit is communicatively connected only to the
peripheral device.
[0014] The invention, in another form, is directed to a system
having a plurality of peripheral devices at a plurality of
peripheral device physical locations. The system includes a host
computer, a first peripheral device, and a second peripheral
device. The host computer has a host processor circuit and a host
memory circuit. The host memory circuit is communicatively coupled
to the host processor circuit. The host memory circuit includes a
mapping library that stores a plurality of address maps, each
address map having a respective unique physical location address
and an associated respective peripheral device network address. The
first peripheral device has a first housing. A second peripheral
device has a second housing. A first location-based address adapter
is removably attached to the first housing. The first
location-based address adapter has a first communications interface
circuit and a first adapter memory circuit. The first
communications interface circuit is connected in electrical
communication with the first peripheral device and with the host
computer. The first adapter memory circuit stores a first unique
physical location address to be associated with a first physical
location of the plurality of peripheral device physical locations.
The first unique physical location address is a first non-network
based address. The first adapter memory circuit is communicatively
connected only to the first peripheral device. The second
location-based address adapter is removably attached to the second
housing. The second location-based address adapter has a second
communications interface circuit and a second adapter memory
circuit. The second communications interface circuit is connected
in electrical communication with the second peripheral device and
the host computer. The second adapter memory circuit stores a
second unique physical location address to be associated with a
second physical location of the plurality of peripheral device
physical locations. The second unique physical location address is
a second non-network based address. The second adapter memory
circuit is communicatively connected only to the second peripheral
device.
[0015] Some of the advantages of the disclosed embodiment of
present invention set forth below are as follows:
[0016] 1. All required power and communication connections run
through the location-based address adapter. This simplifies the
physical installation of a peripheral device, such as a replacement
peripheral device.
[0017] 2. Electrical power is included in the connections to the
peripheral device that is made by the location-based address
adapter. In addition to simplifying the physical connection, this
creates only one instance, i.e., power ON, when the physical
location-based address (i.e., physical location ID) must be read
from the location-based address adapter memory. The physical
location-based address does not have to be read at any other
trigger in the network (for example, through polling or by
detecting cable plug in).
[0018] 3. A non-network based address is used as the physical
location-based address. This makes the system independent of the
network configuration or the type of network. Thus, the
location-based address adapter is independent of the actual type of
network, e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth.RTM., etc., in which the
location-based address adapter is being used.
[0019] 4. The location mapping is automatically maintained by the
system if the network address is changed (e.g., if a network
component, such as a router, is rebooted).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference
to the following description of an embodiment of the invention
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a network system having a plurality
of host computers, and having a plurality of peripheral devices at
different physical locations, with each peripheral device having a
respective location-based address adapter.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of each of two host computers
depicted in FIG. 1, including respective mapping libraries.
[0023] FIG. 3A is a block diagram of one peripheral device of the
plurality of peripheral devices depicted in FIG. 1, and a block
diagram of the associated location-based address adapter attached
to the housing of the peripheral device.
[0024] FIG. 3B is an electrical schematic of an electrical circuit
of the location-based address adapter of FIG. 3A.
[0025] FIG. 3C is a block diagram of another peripheral device of
the plurality of peripheral devices depicted in FIG. 1, and a block
diagram of the associated location-based address adapter attached
to the housing of the peripheral device.
[0026] FIG. 3D is an electrical schematic of an electrical circuit
of the location-based address adapter of FIG. 3C.
[0027] FIG. 4A is a top view in perspective of the location-based
address adapter of FIG. 3A.
[0028] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the location-based address
adapter of FIG. 3A, with the hinged door in the closed
position.
[0029] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the location-based address
adapter of FIG. 3A, with the hinged door in the open position.
[0030] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate at least one embodiment of the invention, and
such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope
of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG.
1, there is shown a network system 10 in accordance with an aspect
of the present invention. Network system 10 will include at least
one host computer 12, at least one peripheral device 14, and at
least one location-based address adapter 16, and more often may
include a plurality of host computers 12, and a plurality of
peripheral devices 14 and a corresponding plurality of
location-based address adapters 16. Each of the plurality of
peripheral devices 14 and each of the plurality of location-based
address adapters 16 is located at a respective physical location of
a plurality of peripheral device physical locations 18. The
physical locations may be, for example, various locations
throughout one or more retail stores, warehouses, and/or
offices.
[0032] For ease of discussion, and without limitation, the
invention will be described with respect to a simplified system
having two host computers 12, individually identified as host
computer 12-1 and host computer 12-2; two peripheral devices 14,
individually identified as peripheral device 14-1 and peripheral
device 14-2; and two location-based address adapters 16,
individually identified as location-based address adapter 16-1 and
location-based address adapter 16-2. In the present example, each
peripheral device 14-1, 14-2 will be positioned at a respective
physical location 18-1, 18-2 of the plurality of peripheral device
physical locations 18.
[0033] More particularly, in this example, location-based address
adapter 16-1 is assigned to a physical location 18-1, and
peripheral device 14-1 will be connected to location-based address
adapter 16-1 at physical location 18-1, such that peripheral device
14-1 also is assigned to physical location 18-1 of the plurality of
peripheral device physical locations 18. Likewise, location-based
address adapter 16-2 is assigned to physical location 18-2, and
peripheral device 14-2 will be connected to location-based address
adapter 16-2 at physical location 18-2, such that peripheral device
14-2 also is assigned to physical location 18-2 of the plurality of
peripheral device physical locations 18.
[0034] Each of the host computers 12 and peripheral devices 14
communicate over network 20, via location-based address adapters
16, using a standardized network communication protocol, such as
for example, Ethernet, Bluetooth, etc. However, in accordance with
an aspect of the present invention, each of the location-based
address adapters 16 is network independent, as will be described in
more detail below, and is used to simplify replacement of one
peripheral device with another peripheral device at a particular
physical location, e.g., in the event of peripheral device failure,
by a simple substitution that does not require expertise in network
communication.
[0035] Network 20 may be a wired network (e.g., wired Ethernet), a
wireless network (e.g., wireless Ethernet (using IEEE 802.11) or
Bluetooth (using IEEE 802.15.1)), or a combination of both wired
and wireless, e.g. Ethernet. Network 20 has associated wired and/or
wireless interface devices (e.g., communication cards, cable
connectors, etc.) that facilitate communication using the
particular standardized communication protocol selected for network
20, as is known in the art. In particular, each of host computers
12 and each of the plurality of peripheral devices 14 includes
communication hardware and software to facilitate bi-directional
communication over network 20, which will occur in accordance with
an aspect of the present invention via respective location-based
address adapters 16.
[0036] Each of host computers 12 may be, for example, one of a
point-of-sale (POS) terminal, a personal computer, a file server
having multiple user interface terminals, etc. Each of the
plurality of peripheral devices 14 may be, for example, one or more
of a printer, an image scanner, a barcode scanner, etc., wherein
each peripheral device 14-1, 14-2 will be associated with a
particular physical location 18-1, 18-2, respectively, of the
plurality of peripheral device physical locations 18.
[0037] Referring also to FIG. 2, host computer 12-1 has a host
processor circuit 22-1 and a host memory circuit 24-1. Host memory
circuit 24-1 is communicatively coupled to the host processor
circuit 22-1 via a wired communications link 26-1, e.g., via a bus
circuit, or circuit traces.
[0038] Host processor circuit 22-1 has one or more programmable
microprocessors and associated circuitry, such as an input/output
interface, clock, buffers, memory, etc., as is known in the
art.
[0039] Host memory circuit 24-1 is a non-transitory electronic
memory, and may include volatile memory circuits, such as random
access memory (RAM), and non-volatile memory circuits, such as read
only memory (ROM), electronically erasable programmable ROM
(EEPROM), NOR flash memory, NAND flash memory, etc. Host memory
circuit 24-1 includes a mapping library 28-1, which may be in the
form of a plurality of segregated memory locations, that stores a
plurality of address maps 30-1, 30-2, . . . 30-n, wherein n is a
natural number that designates the maximum number of address maps
that host computer 12-1 can accommodate. Each address map 30-1,
30-2, . . . 30-n stored in mapping library 28-1 is a two-part
address provided by a respective one of the plurality of peripheral
devices 14, with the two-part address having a respective unique
physical location address, i.e., one of a plurality of potential
unique physical location addresses 34 (e.g., 34-1, 34-2, . . .
34-n), that was stored in a respective location-based address
adapter of the plurality of location-based address adapters 16, and
a respective peripheral device network address, i.e., one of the
plurality of potential peripheral device network addresses 36
(e.g., 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n), assigned by network system 10 to
the peripheral device that is attached to the respective
location-based address adapter.
[0040] Likewise, as shown in FIG. 2, host computer 12-2 has a host
processor circuit 22-2 and a host memory circuit 24-2. Host memory
circuit 24-2 is communicatively coupled to the host processor
circuit 22-2 via a wired communications link 26-2, e.g., via a bus
circuit, or circuit traces.
[0041] Host processor circuit 22-2 has one or more programmable
microprocessors and associated circuitry, such as an input/output
interface, clock, buffers, memory, etc., as is known in the
art.
[0042] Host memory circuit 24-2 is a non-transitory electronic
memory, and may include volatile memory circuits, such as random
access memory (RAM), and non-volatile memory circuits, such as read
only memory (ROM), electronically erasable programmable ROM
(EEPROM), NOR flash memory, NAND flash memory, etc. Host memory
circuit 24-2 includes a mapping library 28-2, which may be in the
form of a plurality of segregated memory locations, that store the
plurality of address maps 30-1, 30-2 . . . 30-n. Again, each
address map 30-1, 30-2 . . . 30-n stored in mapping library 28-2 is
a two-part address generated and provided by a respective one of
the plurality of peripheral devices 14, with the two-part address
having a respective unique physical location address, i.e., one of
the plurality of potential unique physical location addresses 34
(e.g., 34-1, 34-2, . . . 34-n), that was stored in a respective
location-based address adapter of the plurality of location-based
address adapters 16, and a respective peripheral device network
address, i.e., one of the plurality of potential peripheral device
network addresses 36 (e.g., 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n), assigned by
network system 10 to the peripheral device that is attached to the
respective location-based address adapter.
[0043] While in the present example the contents of mapping library
28-1 of host computer 12-1 and mapping library 28-2 of host
computer 12-2 are identical, such may not be the case in all
systems, such as for example, when one of the host computers 12
does not support one of the peripheral devices on network 20.
[0044] Referring also to FIG. 3A, peripheral device 14-1 has a
housing 40-1, a peripheral device processor circuit 42-1, a
peripheral device memory circuit 44-1, an interface circuit 46-1, a
power circuit 48-1, a wired communications link 50-1, and a wired
communications link 52-1. Peripheral device memory circuit 44-1 is
communicatively coupled to the peripheral device processor circuit
42-1 via wired communications link 50-1, e.g., via a bus circuit,
or circuit traces. Interface circuit 46-1 is communicatively
coupled to the peripheral device processor circuit 42-1 via wired
communications link 52-1, e.g., via a bus circuit, or circuit
traces. In the present example, peripheral device 14-1 is an inkjet
printer, but could be another type of peripheral device, such as a
laser printer, barcode reader, etc.
[0045] Interface circuit 46-1 includes electronic components and
electrical connectors to accommodate communication with
location-based address adapter 16-1. Power circuit 48-1 includes
electronic components and electrical connectors to accommodate
electrical power connection with location-based address adapter
16-1, with power circuit 48-1 including electrical components to
supply the electrical power requirements within peripheral device
14-1.
[0046] Peripheral device processor circuit 42-1 may be configured
via software and/or firmware to operate as a printer controller for
performing printing functions. Peripheral device processor circuit
42-1 has one or more programmable microprocessors and associated
circuitry, such as an input/output interface, clock, buffers,
memory, etc., as is known in the art. Peripheral device memory
circuit 44-1 is a non-transitory electronic memory that may include
volatile memory circuits, such as random access memory (RAM), and
non-volatile memory circuits, such as read only memory (ROM),
electronically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), NOR flash
memory, NAND flash memory, etc.
[0047] Likewise, as shown in FIG. 3C, peripheral device 14-2 has a
housing 40-2, a peripheral device processor circuit 42-2, a
peripheral device memory circuit 44-2, an interface circuit 46-2, a
power circuit 48-2, a wired communications link 50-2, and a wired
communications link 52-2. Peripheral device memory circuit 44-2 is
communicatively coupled to the peripheral device processor circuit
42-2 via wired communications link 50-2, e.g., via a bus circuit,
or circuit traces. Interface circuit 46-2 is communicatively
coupled to the peripheral device processor circuit 42-2 via wired
communications link 52-2, e.g., via a bus circuit, or circuit
traces. In the present example, peripheral device 14-2 is a laser
printer, but could be another type of peripheral device, such as an
inkjet printer, barcode reader, etc.
[0048] Interface circuit 46-2 includes electronic components and
electrical connectors to accommodate communication with
location-based address adapter 16-2. Power circuit 48-2 includes
electronic components and electrical connectors to accommodate
electrical power connection with location-based address adapter
16-2, with power circuit 48-2 including electrical components to
supply the electrical power requirements within peripheral device
14-2.
[0049] Peripheral device processor circuit 42-2 may be configured
via software and/or firmware to operate as a printer controller for
performing printing functions. Peripheral device processor circuit
42-2 has one or more programmable microprocessors and associated
circuitry, such as an input/output interface, clock, buffers,
memory, etc., as is known in the art. Peripheral device memory
circuit 44-2 is a non-transitory electronic memory that includes a
volatile memory circuit, such as random access memory (RAM), and
non-volatile memory circuits, such as read only memory (ROM),
electronically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), NOR flash
memory, NAND flash memory, etc.
[0050] Referring again to FIG. 1, location-based address adapter
16-1 facilitates communication between at least one of host
computers 12, e.g., host computer 12-1, and a particular peripheral
device, e.g., peripheral device 14-1, of a plurality of peripheral
devices that may be associated, one at a time, with the same
physical location, e.g., physical location 18-1 to which
location-based address adapter 16-1 is assigned.
[0051] Referring again also to FIG. 3A, location-based address
adapter 16-1 includes a body 60-1, and an electrical circuit 62-1
that includes an adapter memory circuit 64-1, a communications
interface circuit 66-1, and an electrical power circuit 68-1. FIG.
3B is an electrical diagram of electrical circuit 62-1 of
location-based address adapter 16-1. Optionally, electrical circuit
62-1 may include an auxiliary circuit 69-1 that includes connectors
for interfacing an auxiliary device, such as a telephone, to the
peripheral device to which location-based address adapter 16-1,
e.g., peripheral device 14-1, is attached.
[0052] Body 60-1 is removably attachable to each peripheral device
of the plurality of peripheral devices 14, but is removably
attached to only one peripheral device of the plurality of
peripheral devices 14 at a time. In the present example, body 60-1
is removably attached to peripheral device 14-1. As used herein,
the term "removably attached" means a fixed attachment that can be
reversed by an overt user operation to detach the body from the
peripheral device.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in the present example,
communications interface circuit 66-1 is connected in electrical
communication with peripheral device 14-1, and is connected in
electrical communication with each of host computer 12-1 and host
computer 12-2 via network 20. Communications interface circuit 66-1
includes a plurality of communication input connectors 70-1, a
plurality of communication output connectors 72-1, and a
pass-through wired connection 74-1 between each of the plurality of
communication input connectors and the plurality of communication
output connectors 72-1 to facilitate bi-directional communications
between host computer 12-1 and/or host computer 12-2 and a
respective peripheral device, e.g., peripheral device 14-1, to
which body 60-1 is removably attached. More particularly, the
plurality of communication output connectors 72-1 is removably
attached to an interface circuit, e.g., interface circuit 46-1, of
the respective peripheral device, e.g., peripheral device 14-1, to
which body 60-1 is removably attached, and the plurality of
communication input connectors 70-1 is connected in electrical
communication with network 20, either with a wired connection via a
communication cable 75-1, e.g., Ethernet cable in an Ethernet
network environment, or a wireless connection via an external
wireless radio frequency (r.f.) device (not shown) in a wireless
environment.
[0054] Electrical power circuit 68-1 includes a power input
connector 76-1, a power output connector 78-1, and a pass-through
connection 80-1 between power input connector 76-1 and power output
connector 78-1. Power input connector 76-1 facilitates electrical
connection to an external power source 82-1, such as a DC power
supply (i.e., Vcc and ground) or alternatively to an AC power
supply, via an electrical power cable 84-1. Power output connector
78-1 facilitates electrical connection to the respective power
circuit, e.g., power circuit 48-1, of the respective peripheral
device, e.g., peripheral device 14-1, to which body 60-1 is
removably attached.
[0055] Adapter memory circuit 64-1 is a non-transitory electronic
memory that has a non-volatile memory circuit, such as read only
memory (ROM), electronically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM),
NOR flash memory, NAND flash memory, etc. Adapter memory circuit
64-1 stores a unique physical location address, e.g., 34-1, to be
associated with a physical location, e.g., 18-1. For example,
unique physical location address 34-1 may be programmed into
adapter memory circuit 64-1 at the time of manufacture of
location-based address adapter 16-1. In implementations wherein
adapter memory circuit 64-1 is programmable, adapter memory circuit
64-1 may store information relating to the environment within which
location-based address adapter 16-1 is, or has been, used, such as
for example, by storing an identification code for each peripheral
device to which location-based address adapter 16-1 has been
attached.
[0056] Adapter memory circuit 64-1 has a memory connector 86-1,
e.g., wire cable, bus, or circuit traces, to facilitate electrical
communicative connection only with the respective peripheral
device, e.g., peripheral device 14-1, to which location-based
address adapter 16-1 is attached, and not to any of host computers
12. In other words, host computers 12 or other devices on network
20 cannot retrieve or read the memory contents of adapter memory
circuit 64-1. In the present embodiment, this is a direct
electrical communicative connection with the respective peripheral
device, e.g., peripheral device 14-1.
[0057] The unique physical location address 34-1 stored in adapter
memory circuit 64-1 of location-based address adapter 16-1 is a
non-network based address that is to be associated with only one
physical location of the plurality of peripheral device physical
locations 18 of communication network 20, and is not to be used in
association with any other location-based address adapter of the
plurality of location-based address adapters 16 used in network 20.
As used herein, the term "non-network based address" is a physical
location address that is not in an address format used in the
communication protocol associated with the standardized network
within which communication between network devices, e.g., a host
computer and a peripheral, is to occur. The unique physical
location address, e.g., 34-1, is to be associated with a particular
one of the plurality of peripheral device physical locations 18 of
communication network 20. As used herein, the term "unique" means
only a single occurrence in a particular network, e.g., network
20.
[0058] For example, the unique physical location address 34-1
stored in adapter memory circuit 64-1 is a non-network based
address, and thus, in an Ethernet network, the unique physical
location address 34-1 is not in an Internet Protocol (IP) address
format and is not in a media access code (MAC) address format.
Rather, the unique physical location address 34-1 stored in adapter
memory circuit 64-1 may be a combination of alpha characters,
numeric characters, and spaces, e.g., ID 872655.
[0059] Referring again to FIG. 1, location-based address adapter
16-2 facilitates communication between at least one of host
computers 12, e.g., host computer 12-2, and a particular peripheral
device, e.g., peripheral device 14-2, of a plurality of peripheral
devices that may be associated, one at a time, with the same
physical location, e.g., physical location 18-2 to which
location-based address adapter 16-2 is assigned.
[0060] Referring again also to FIG. 3C, location-based address
adapter 16-2 includes a body 60-2, and an electrical circuit 62-2
that includes an adapter memory circuit 64-2, a communications
interface circuit 66-2, and an electrical power circuit 68-2. FIG.
3D is an electrical diagram of electrical circuit 62-2 of
location-based address adapter 16-2. Optionally, electrical circuit
62-2 may include an auxiliary circuit 69-2 that includes connectors
for interfacing an auxiliary device, such as a telephone, to the
peripheral device to which location-based address adapter 16-2,
e.g., peripheral device 14-2, is attached.
[0061] Body 60-2 is removably attachable to each peripheral device
of the plurality of peripheral devices 14, but is removably
attached to only one peripheral device of the plurality of
peripheral devices 14 at a time. In the present example, body 60-2
is removably attached to peripheral device 14-2.
[0062] In the present example, communications interface circuit
66-2 is connected in electrical communication with peripheral
device 14-2, and is connected in electrical communication with each
of host computer 12-1 and host computer 12-2 via network 20.
Communications interface circuit 66-2 includes a plurality of
communication input connectors 70-2, a plurality of communication
output connectors 72-2, and a pass-through wired connection 74-2
between each of the plurality of communication input connectors and
the plurality of communication output connectors 72-2 to facilitate
bi-directional communications between host computer 12-1 and/or
host computer 12-2 and a respective peripheral device, e.g.,
peripheral device 14-2, to which body 60-2 is removably attached.
More particularly, the plurality of communication output connectors
72-2 is removably attached to an interface circuit, e.g., interface
circuit 46-2, of the respective peripheral device, e.g., peripheral
device 14-2, to which body 60-2 is removably attached, and the
plurality of communication input connectors 70-2 is connected in
electrical communication with network 20, either with a wired
connection via a communication cable 75-2, e.g., Ethernet cable in
an Ethernet network environment, or a wireless connection via an
external wireless radio frequency (r.f.) device (not shown) in a
wireless environment.
[0063] Electrical power circuit 68-2 includes a power input
connector 76-2, a power output connector 78-2, and a pass-through
connection 80-2 between power input connector 76-2 and power output
connector 78-2. Power input connector 76-2 facilitates electrical
connection to an external power source 82-2, such as a DC power
supply (i.e., Vcc and ground) or alternatively to an AC power
supply, via an electrical power cable 84-2. Power output connector
78-2 facilitates electrical connection to the respective power
circuit, e.g., power circuit 48-2, of the respective peripheral
device, e.g., peripheral device 14-2, to which body 60-2 is
removably attached.
[0064] Adapter memory circuit 64-2 is a non-transitory electronic
memory that has a non-volatile memory circuit, such as read only
memory (ROM), electronically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM),
NOR flash memory, NAND flash memory, etc. Adapter memory circuit
64-2 stores a unique physical location address, e.g., 34-2, to be
associated with a physical location, e.g., 18-2. For example,
unique physical location address 34-2 may be programmed into
adapter memory circuit 64-2 at the time of manufacture of
location-based address adapter 16-2. In implementations wherein
adapter memory circuit 64-2 is programmable, adapter memory circuit
64-2 may store information relating to the environment within which
location-based address adapter 16-2 is, or has been, used, such as
for example, by storing an identification code for each peripheral
device to which location-based address adapter 16-2 has been
attached.
[0065] Adapter memory circuit 64-2 has a memory connector 86-2,
e.g., wire cable, bus, or circuit traces, to facilitate electrical
communicative connection only with the respective peripheral
device, e.g., peripheral device 14-2, to which location-based
address adapter 16-2 is attached, and not to any of host computers
12. In other words, host computers 12 or other devices on network
20 cannot retrieve or read the memory contents of adapter memory
circuit 64-2. In the present embodiment, this is a direct
electrical communicative connection with the respective peripheral
device, e.g., peripheral device 14-2.
[0066] The unique physical location address 34-2 stored in adapter
memory circuit 64-2 of location-based address adapter 16-2 is a
non-network based address that is to be associated with only one
physical location of the plurality of peripheral device physical
locations 18 of communication network 20, and is not to be used in
association with any other location-based address adapter of the
plurality of location-based address adapters 16 used in network 20.
Again, as used herein, the term "non-network based address" is a
physical location address that is not in an address format used in
the communication protocol associated with the standardized network
within which communication between network devices, e.g., a host
computer and a peripheral, is to occur. The unique physical
location address 34-2 is to be associated with a particular one of
the plurality of peripheral device physical locations 18 of
communication network 20.
[0067] For example, the unique physical location address 34-2
stored in adapter memory circuit 64-2 is a non-network based
address, and thus, in an Ethernet network, unique physical location
address 34-2 is not in an Internet Protocol (IP) address format and
is not in a media access code (MAC) address format. Rather, the
unique physical location address 34-2 stored in adapter memory
circuit 64-2 may be a combination of alpha characters, numeric
characters, and spaces, e.g., ID 234587.
[0068] FIGS. 4A-4C show an example of body 60-1 of location-based
address adapter 16-1. It is to be noted that the construction of
body 60-1 of location-based address adapter 16-1 and body 60-2 (see
also FIG. 3C) of location-based address adapter 16-2 are identical,
and that the discussion that follows directed to body 60-1 equally
applies to each of the plurality of location-based address adapters
16.
[0069] Body 60-1 is removably attachable to a peripheral device of
the plurality of peripheral devices 14 via a tab and latch
arrangement that includes tabs 90 and latch 92. Body 60-1 includes
a hinged door 94 pivotably attached to body 60-1 via hinges 96.
Body 60-1 has a recessed region 98 having a side wall 100 where
each of the plurality of communication input connectors 70-1 and
the power input connector(s) 76-1 are accessed. Hinged door 94,
when closed, covers recessed region 98 and the plurality of
communication input connectors 70-1 and the power input
connector(s) 76-1. Hinged door 94 has at least one aperture 102 to
accommodate passage of at least one communication cable 75-1, e.g.,
Ethernet cable, and the electrical power cable 84-1, into recessed
region 98 when hinged door 94 is closed, so as to accommodate the
attachment of communication cable 75-1 and electrical power cable
84-1 to the plurality of communication input connectors 70-1 and
the power input connector(s) 76-1 with hinged door 94 closed.
[0070] The operation of network system 10, configured in accordance
with the present invention, is described below.
[0071] When location-based address adapter 16-1 is initially
connected to housing 40-1 of peripheral device 14-1, peripheral
device processor circuit 42-1 of peripheral device 14-1 executes
program instructions to retrieve the non-network unique physical
location address 34-1, e.g., ID 872655, from adapter memory circuit
64-1 of location-based address adapter 16-1. Peripheral device
processor circuit 42-1 then executes program instructions to
establish an address map 30-1 that associates the non-network
unique physical location address 34-1, e.g., ID 872655, stored in
adapter memory circuit 64-1 of location-based address adapter 16-1
with a first peripheral device network address 36-1 (e.g.,
191.168.1.100) associated with peripheral device 14-1.
[0072] Likewise, when location-based address adapter 16-2 is
initially connected to housing 40-2 of peripheral device 14-2, then
peripheral device processor circuit 42-2 of peripheral device 14-2
executes program instructions to retrieve the unique physical
location address 34-2, e.g., ID 234587, from adapter memory circuit
64-2 of location-based address adapter 16-2. Peripheral device
processor circuit 42-2 then executes program instructions to
establish an address map 30-2 that associates the unique physical
location address 34-2, e.g., ID 234587, stored in adapter memory
circuit 64-2 of location-based address adapter 16-2 with a second
peripheral device network address 36-2 (e.g., 191.168.1.101)
associated with peripheral device 14-2.
[0073] In response to a broadcast request for available services
from one of host computers 12, e.g., either or both of host
computer 12-1 and host computer 12-2, the peripheral device
processor circuit 42-1 of peripheral device 14-1 executes program
instructions to broadcast address map 30-1. Likewise, peripheral
device processor circuit 42-2 of peripheral device 14-2 executes
program instructions to respond to the broadcast request for
available services from the respective host computer 12-1 and/or
12-2 by broadcasting address map 30-2. By using broadcasting to
transmit the respective address map, neither peripheral device 14-1
nor peripheral device 14-2 needs to know the network address
respectively assigned to each of host computer 12-1 and host
computer 12-2.
[0074] For this example, assume that host computer 12-1 sent the
broadcast request for available services. Host computer 12-1 then
listens for a broadcast reply, and host processor circuit 22-1
executes program instructions to receive each of broadcasted
address map 30-1 and broadcasted address map 30-2 and, in turn,
stores each of address map 30-1 and address map 30-2 in mapping
library 28-1 of host memory circuit 24-1.
[0075] Further, assume that host computer 12-2 also sent a
broadcast request for available services, which in turn was replied
to by a respective broadcast from each of peripheral device 14-1
and peripheral device 14-2. Host computer 12-2 then listens for a
broadcast reply, and host processor circuit 22-2 executes program
instructions to receive each of broadcasted address map 30-1 and
broadcasted address map 30-2 and, in turn, stores each of address
map 30-1 and address map 30-2 in mapping library 28-2 of host
memory circuit 24-2.
[0076] Each of host computer 12-1 and host computer 12-2 runs at
least one client application program, such as for example, a word
processing application program, a spreadsheet application program,
etc. With the present embodiment of the invention, the client
application program is never aware of a respective peripheral
device network address, e.g., one of peripheral device network
address 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n, associated with any of the
plurality of peripheral devices 14. Alternatively, in another
implementation, if client application program awareness of the
respective peripheral device network address is not a concern, then
the client application could use the address map to access the
network address and use the network address directly instead of
going through a library routine.
[0077] For the example that follows, assume that the user of host
computer 12-1 is running a client application program, e.g., a word
processing application program, and wants to print a first coupon
at a retail check-out lane at physical location 18-1 in a store,
and then print a second coupon at another retail check-out lane at
physical location 18-2. As described above with respect to FIG. 1,
location-based address adapter 16-1 is associated with physical
location 18-1, and peripheral device 14-1 is attached to
location-based address adapter 16-1 at physical location 18-1.
Also, location-based address adapter 16-2 is associated with
physical location 18-2, and peripheral device 14-2 is attached to
location-based address adapter 16-2 at physical location 18-2.
[0078] Host processor circuit 22-1 of host computer 12-1 executes
program instructions to: [0079] (1) run the client application
program; [0080] (2) receive a first user input command from the
user, wherein the first user input command identifies the first
physical location 18-1 to be a recipient for a first peripheral
communications packet, and in response to the first user input
command, the client application program uses the first unique
physical location address 34-1 associated with physical location
18-1 to identify the address map 30-1 stored in mapping library
28-1; [0081] (3) retrieve the first peripheral device network
address 36-1 associated with the first unique physical location
address 34-1 from address map 30-1; [0082] (4) use the first
peripheral device network address 36-1 to send the first peripheral
communications packet to peripheral device 14-1 through
location-based address adapter 16-1; [0083] (5) receive a second
user input command, wherein the second user input command
identifies the physical location 18-2 to be a recipient for a
second peripheral communications packet, and in response to the
second user input command, the client application program uses the
second unique physical location address 34-2 associated with
physical location 18-2 to identify address map 30-2 stored in
mapping library 28-1; [0084] (6) retrieve the second peripheral
device network address 36-2 associated with the second unique
physical location address 34-2 from address map 30-2; and [0085]
(7) use the second peripheral device network address 36-2 to send
the second peripheral communications packet to peripheral device
14-2 through location-based address adapter 16-2.
[0086] Upon a network router reboot, peripheral device processor
circuit 42-1 may execute program instructions to update address map
30-1 to associate the first unique physical location address 34-1
with a first new network address. Peripheral device processor
circuit 42-1 further executes program instructions to broadcast the
updated address map 30-1 associated with physical location 18-1 to
update the availability of peripheral device 14-1 to network system
10 Likewise, peripheral device processor circuit 42-2 may execute
program instructions to update the address map 30-2 to associate
the second unique physical location address 34-2 with a second new
network address. Peripheral device processor circuit 42-2 further
executes program instructions to broadcast the updated address map
30-2 associated with second unique physical location 18-2 to update
the availability of peripheral device 14-2 to network system
10.
[0087] In one implementation of the present invention, peripheral
device 14-1 is powered ON when location-based address adapter 16-1
is attached to peripheral device 14-1, and peripheral device 14-1
is powered OFF when location-based address adapter 16-1 is detached
from peripheral device 14-1. When peripheral device 14-1 is powered
ON, peripheral device processor circuit 42-1 executes program
instructions to update address map 30-1 for any change in first
peripheral device network address 36-1 associated with peripheral
device 14-1.
[0088] Likewise, peripheral device 14-2 is powered ON when
location-based address adapter 16-2 is attached to peripheral
device 14-2, and peripheral device 14-2 is powered OFF when
location-based address adapter 16-2 is detached from peripheral
device 14-2. When peripheral device 14-2 is powered ON, peripheral
device processor circuit 42-2 executes program instructions to
update address map 30-2 for any change in second peripheral device
network address 36-2 associated with peripheral device 14-2.
[0089] In accordance with the above description, the present
embodiment of the invention provides the following advantages:
[0090] 1. All required power and communication connections run
through the location-based address adapter. This simplifies the
physical installation of a peripheral device, such as a replacement
peripheral device.
[0091] 2. Electrical power is included in the connections to the
peripheral device that is made by the location-based address
adapter. In addition to simplifying the physical connection, this
creates only one instance, i.e., power ON, when the unique physical
location address (i.e., physical location ID) must be read from the
location-based address adapter memory. The physical location
address does not have to be read at any other trigger in the
network (for example, through polling or by detecting cable plug
in).
[0092] 3. A non-network based address is used as the unique
physical location address. This makes the system independent of the
network configuration or the type of network. Thus, the
location-based address adapter is independent of the actual type of
network, e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth, etc., in which the
location-based address adapter is being used.
[0093] 4. The location mapping is automatically maintained if the
network address is changed (e.g., if a network component, such as a
router, is rebooted).
[0094] It is contemplated that variations of the embodiment
described herein may not include all of the features of the
described embodiment, and thus, each of the stated advantages only
applies when the feature that achieves a particular advantage is
included in the variation.
[0095] While this invention has been described with respect to one
embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within
the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the invention using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to
which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of
the appended claims.
* * * * *