Chat-Style Interface for Printer Initial Setup

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for setting up image processing apparatuses, such as printers, lack convenience during the initial installation process, as users often face difficulties in understanding and executing the necessary setup steps without clear guidance.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a chat-style interface on a terminal device to display information logs, instruction logs, and response logs for initial setup, allowing users to input responses and transmit setting information to the image processing apparatus, facilitating a user-friendly and interactive setup process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional setup interfaces are used, then the setup process can be completed, but the user convenience and ease of understanding instructions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenience during initial setupVSAvoidcomplexity of setup interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/form-based setup interface with a chat-style conversational interface. Instead of navigating through complex menus and forms, users interact with the setup system through natural language chat messages, making the initial setup process more intuitive and easier to understand while maintaining the ability to complete all necessary configuration tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If detailed setup instructions are provided, then the setup process becomes more complete, but the information becomes harder to comprehend

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of setup informationVSAvoiddifficulty of understanding instructions

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the setup information into individual chat messages that are presented sequentially in a conversational flow. Each chat message contains a specific piece of information or instruction, breaking down the complex setup process into manageable, easily digestible units that users can understand one at a time while receiving all necessary setup information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chat-style interface dynamically adapts the presentation of setup information based on user responses and progress through the setup process. The system adjusts the flow and content of information delivery to match the user's understanding and actions, making the information both complete and comprehensible through an interactive conversational exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11816367B2Method for setting image processing apparatus, storage medium, and image processing system

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A method for setting a printer performs initial setup of the printer by using a setting image displayed on a terminal device. The method includes displaying, in a chat style in the setting image, a plurality of information logs regarding the initial setup of the printer, an instruction information log regarding instruction information including an instruction for a user who operates the printer, and a response log regarding a user response input by the user in response to the instruction information.