Default Device Setting Control for Multi-MFP Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printer driver systems require users to frequently change the default device settings when switching between frequently and infrequently used Multi Function Peripherals (MFPs), leading to user inconvenience and extra labor.

Innovation Solution

A control device and method that allows the operating system to set and maintain a default image forming apparatus based on user preferences, automatically designating a different device for printing tasks while keeping the original device as the default, preventing unnecessary changes to the default setting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the OS program automatically sets the last used MFP as the default device, then the default device can be updated based on usage history, but the default device changes unnecessarily when a low-frequency MFP is temporarily used, requiring extra user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic default device updateVSAvoiduser intervention frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by detecting which MFP was actually used for printing and using this information to intelligently update the default device setting. The feedback mechanism distinguishes between intentional device selection and temporary alternatives, updating the default only when appropriate based on the printing history pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically managing default device updates without requiring user intervention. It monitors printing activities, analyzes usage patterns, and autonomously determines when to update the default MFP setting, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the default device is changed to the execution device after printing, then the system adapts to recent usage, but the original default device setting is lost and requires reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage-based adaptationVSAvoiddefault device setting stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores the original default device information before allowing printing on an alternative device. This preliminary action preserves the original setting, enabling the system to restore it later if needed, thus maintaining stability while allowing temporary adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The default device setting is made dynamic rather than static. The system allows the default device to change based on usage patterns while maintaining the ability to restore previous settings, creating a flexible system that adapts to user behavior without losing historical configuration information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple MFPs are supported with different printer drivers, then device versatility is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple default settings increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-MFP supportVSAvoiddefault setting management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single printer driver program is designed to universally control multiple types of MFPs. This multi-functional driver eliminates the need for separate driver installations and simplifies default device management, as the same driver adapts to different MFP types based on the selected default device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple MFP control functions are merged into a single printer driver program. Instead of maintaining separate driver configurations for each MFP type, the system combines them into one universal driver that manages all MFPs, reducing the complexity of default setting management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10341528B2Setting an image forming apparatus as a default device

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

A control device that executes an operating system program includes a hardware processor, wherein the operating system program defines a process of setting one image forming apparatus among a plurality of image forming apparatuses as a default device, and a changing process, in the case where an execution device different from the default device is designated from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses by an application task for executing an application program and printing is performed by the execution device, setting the execution device as the default device, and the hardware processor allows one control target device among the plurality of image forming apparatuses to perform printing in response to an instruction for printing given by the application task, and maintains the same image forming apparatus as the default device before and after printing is performed by the control target device.