Chat-Note Linkage in Image Forming Systems

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems between image forming apparatuses and information processing apparatuses lack integration of the chat function with the user note function, limiting the ability to utilize the user note function as an information transmission tool and hindering improved information transmission performance and operability.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that enables data communication between an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus, where the information processing apparatus transmits message information via a chat tool, and the image forming apparatus stores and displays this information using a user note storage region, allowing linkage between the chat and user note functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the chat function and user note function are kept separate, then each function can operate independently with simple design, but the information transmission capability is limited and additional transmission methods are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation transmission capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the chat function and user note function into a unified system where message information transmitted through chat is automatically stored in the user note storage region. The control unit manages both functions, allowing seamless integration where chat messages become user notes, thereby enhancing information transmission capability while maintaining manageable system complexity through unified control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The user note storage region and control unit are designed to serve dual purposes: managing both chat communications and user notes. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware resources to support both information transmission (chat) and information storage (user notes), improving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple transmission methods are used, then information can be delivered reliably to target users, but the system complexity increases and operability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage delivery reliabilityVSAvoidoperability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By combining chat and user note functions, the system ensures reliable message delivery through a single unified mechanism. Messages sent via chat are automatically stored in the user note storage region, providing both immediate transmission and persistent storage without requiring separate transmission methods, thereby maintaining reliability while simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically manages the storage of message information in the user note storage region without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures that messages are reliably delivered and stored automatically, improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for users to manually configure multiple transmission methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the user note function is not integrated with chat, then the system design remains simple, but the user note function cannot serve as an information transmission tool

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser note function versatilityVSAvoidfunction integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user note storage region and control unit are designed to serve dual purposes: managing both chat communications and user notes. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware resources to support both information transmission (chat) and information storage (user notes), improving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the chat function and user note function into a unified system where message information transmitted through chat is automatically stored in the user note storage region. The control unit manages both functions, allowing seamless integration where chat messages become user notes, thereby enhancing information transmission capability while maintaining manageable system complexity through unified control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11418661B2Communication system including image forming apparatus and information processing apparatus, and configured to realize linkage between chat function and user note function

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A communication system includes an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus, and performs data communication using a chat tool. The information processing apparatus includes a first setup unit that causes a first display device to display a chat screen, and a first controller that transmits, when message information is inputted to the chat screen through an operation device, the message information to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a second display device, a communication device, a second setup unit, a storage device including a user note storage region, a storage controller that stores the message information from the information processing apparatus in the user note storage region of the storage device, and a second controller that causes the second display device to display the message information stored in the user note storage region of the storage device.