Configuration Data Conversion Across Device Versions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently converting and managing setting values across different electronic apparatuses, particularly when the setting values have different meanings or complex structures, leading to inefficient and complicated setting work.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that includes a reception, search, conversion, and classification unit to automatically convert and classify setting values by associating them with data types, parameters, and versions, enabling efficient setting value management across different electronic apparatuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If setting values are manually converted and managed across different electronic apparatuses, then compatibility and accuracy can be maintained, but the setting work becomes inefficient and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting work efficiencyVSAvoidconversion management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-conversion of setting values between different apparatus versions. The conversion unit automatically retrieves initial values from the storage unit, performs version-based conversion using conversion rules, and stores converted values without requiring manual intervention, making the system serve itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus implements a universal conversion mechanism that handles multiple setting items across different apparatus versions through a single integrated system. The conversion unit can process various data types (numeric, alphanumeric, etc.) and applies to multiple setting items simultaneously, creating a multi-functional solution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If setting values are automatically converted without version classification, then productivity improves, but conversion accuracy decreases for complex structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic conversion speedVSAvoidsetting value conversion accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the conversion process into distinct phases: retrieving initial values from storage, classifying setting items by version, performing conversion based on version differences, and storing results. This segmentation allows automated high-speed processing while maintaining accuracy through version-aware conversion rules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary classification of setting items by version before conversion. By pre-organizing setting items according to their version categories and preparing conversion rules in advance, the system ensures accurate conversion while maintaining high productivity during the actual conversion operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If detailed version classification is performed for all setting items, then conversion accuracy improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversion-based conversion accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies version-specific conversion rules locally to each setting item based on its classification. Instead of uniformly processing all setting items with the same level of detail, the conversion unit applies appropriate conversion rules tailored to each setting item's version and data type, optimizing both accuracy and processing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Manufacturing precision

If manual management of setting values across apparatus versions is used, then conversion accuracy can be controlled, but the setting work becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting value accuracyVSAvoidsetting work efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion unit acts as an intermediary between the storage unit and the setting process. It automatically retrieves initial values, performs version-based conversion using predefined rules, and provides converted values to the setting process, ensuring accuracy while eliminating manual work

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the classification unit provides version information back to the conversion unit, which then applies appropriate conversion rules. This feedback loop ensures that converted values maintain accuracy while the automated process improves efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4657247A1Information processing apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for converting configuration data across device versions
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP4657247A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4657247A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4657247A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a reception unit, a search unit, a conversion unit, a classification unit, and an output unit. The reception unit receives an initial value of each setting item for an electronic apparatus, a range of setting values for each setting item, apparatus information indicating whether or not the setting values are compatible with the electronic apparatus, and key data that associates the setting values with a data type. The search unit searches for the data type, definitions of parameters in the data type, and descriptions of the parameters. The conversion unit converts the initial value and the range of the setting values into those in the definitions of the parameters in the data type. The classification unit classifies categories representing a difference between setting item versions. The output unit outputs capability information for automatically determining a conversion type.