Customized Operation Screen for Image Processing Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image processing apparatuses, such as MFPs, do not adequately customize their operation screens for users in public mode, lacking convenience and functionality.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus with a processor, memory, and interfaces for user authentication and identification, which displays customized operation screens based on user authentication or identification information, allowing for tailored functionality in both authenticated and public modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If user authentication is required for customization, then security and personalized functionality are improved, but operation complexity and access time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation screen customizationVSAvoidauthentication process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs user identification using the second interface (acquiring user identification information) without requiring active user participation in authentication. This self-identifying mechanism allows the operation screen to be customized based on detected user characteristics, eliminating the need for manual authentication while maintaining personalized functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-prepares multiple customized operation screens in advance, each corresponding to different user identification results. When a user approaches or interacts with the apparatus, the system has already configured the appropriate customized screen ready for immediate display, avoiding real-time authentication delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If public mode is enabled for accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but functionality and customization capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility without authenticationVSAvoidoperation screen customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical authentication system (username/password input) with an automated detection system using the second interface. This substitution allows public mode users to receive customized operation screens based on automatically detected user identification information, maintaining functionality without requiring manual authentication actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system design allows the same apparatus to serve multiple user types (authenticated and public mode) with different customization levels. The first interface handles authenticated users with full customization, while the second interface handles public mode users with automated identification-based customization, making the system universally applicable to different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive user authentication is implemented, then security and customization accuracy are improved, but device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser identification accuracyVSAvoidauthentication system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system is segmented into two distinct interfaces: the first interface for traditional user authentication and the second interface for automated user identification. This segmentation allows the system to handle different authentication scenarios separately, reducing the complexity burden on any single interface while maintaining comprehensive customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10666821B2Image processing apparatus, control method and customizing information

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes: a processor; a first interface that acquires information for user authentication; a second interface that acquires information for user identification; and a memory that stores a customization information table defining information for customizing an operation screen displayed on the first interface. The processor displays: when the first interface acquires the information for the user authentication, an operation screen customized, using the customization information table, for a user authenticated through the user authentication as the operation screen, and when the first interface does not acquire the information for the user authentication, an operation screen customized, using the customization information table, for a user identified by the information acquired by the second interface as the operation screen.