Controller Selecting Swap or Copy Mode for Setting Information Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image-forming devices lack flexibility in controlling operations based on the purpose of setting information when storing or acquiring it from external storage devices, limiting their functionality in copying or swapping settings across multiple devices.

Innovation Solution

An information-processing device with a memory, input-output interface, and controller that executes either a swap mode or a copy mode, allowing for flexible operation by storing or importing setting information on a removable medium while maintaining or initializing settings as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If setting information is stored in an external storage device, then the setting information can be transferred to multiple devices, but the device cannot flexibly control whether to swap or copy settings based on different purposes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in controlling setting information operationsVSAvoidcontrol process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between swap mode and copy mode based on the operation purpose. The controller determines the appropriate mode (swap or copy) and executes corresponding processing, allowing flexible adaptation to different scenarios without requiring multiple separate systems. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction by providing versatile control while maintaining a unified, manageable architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The external storage device serves multiple functions: it can store setting information for transfer, enable swap operations between devices, and support both single-device and multi-device copying. By making the storage system multi-functional, the patent achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single system handles multiple operations through mode selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If swap mode is executed to move setting information between devices, then the destination device receives settings, but the source device loses its current settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of setting information transferVSAvoiddata loss risk for source device

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides clear feedback to the user about which mode (swap or copy) has been selected and what will happen to the setting information. Before executing a swap operation, the controller notifies the user that current settings will be overwritten, allowing informed decision-making. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the irreversible nature of swap operations, reducing unintended data loss while maintaining efficient transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Before executing a swap operation, the system performs preliminary actions by storing the current settings in the external storage device and notifying the user of the upcoming overwrite. This preparation phase allows users to backup important settings or confirm they understand the operation's implications, preventing accidental data loss while maintaining the speed advantage of swap mode for legitimate transfer scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If copy mode is executed to copy setting information, then the settings can be maintained on multiple devices, but the process is more complex than simple transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to maintain settings on multiple devicesVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the setting information transfer process into distinct modes (swap mode for single-device transfer, copy mode for multi-device replication). Each mode has dedicated processing logic that handles its specific requirements, making the overall system easier to operate. Users simply select the appropriate mode rather than configuring complex parameters, achieving versatile multi-device support without sacrificing operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11062186B2Information-processing device executing selective one of swap mode and copy mode

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

In an information-processing device, a controller operates according to setting information. The controller executes selective one of a swap mode and a copy mode. The swap mode is for moving the setting information from one device to another device. The copy mode is for copying the setting information from one device to one or more devices. While a removable medium is connected to the input-output interface: the controller performs; in a swap-mode case where the swap mode is executed, storing in the removable medium the setting information currently stored in the memory and overwriting the setting information in the memory to prescribed initial setting information; and in a copy-mode case where the copy mode is executed, storing in the removable medium the setting information currently stored in the memory while maintaining the current setting information in the memory.