Information Processing Apparatus Destination Specification Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information processing apparatuses, such as digital multifunction machines, require complex operational processes for adding or changing a sending destination in the sending/FAX function, leading to unfavorable user operability and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus selectively utilizes multiple destination specification methods, allowing users to easily select and change sending destinations through a user interface, using prespecified methods such as address books or server retrievals, to simplify the data sending process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional routine work registration is used, then data sending function is provided, but operational processes for adding or changing sending destination become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-registering multiple destination specification methods (address book, server retrieval, manual input) before the user needs to send data. When a routine work is recalled, the system automatically enables the prespecified destination specification method, eliminating the need for users to navigate complex registration processes again. This resolves the contradiction by making the system easy to operate while maintaining the functionality to handle various sending scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If destination registration procedure is simplified, then user operability improves, but system flexibility to handle unregistered destinations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by providing multiple destination specification methods that can be selected based on the situation. The system can use address book lookup for registered destinations, server retrieval for organized destination management, or manual input for new/unregistered destinations. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation through automatic method selection while preserving flexibility to handle various destination scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a destination specification method selection system. When a routine work is recalled and a destination needs to be specified, the system presents an intermediary interface that automatically selects the appropriate specification method based on pre-configured rules. This intermediary layer simplifies user interaction while maintaining system flexibility, as the intermediary can route to different methods (address book, server, manual) depending on the situation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple destination specification methods are provided, then system adaptability improves, but operational process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically select and enable the appropriate destination specification method based on pre-configured settings. When a routine work is recalled, the system self-determines which method to use (address book, server retrieval, or manual input) without requiring users to manually navigate through multiple options. This automatic self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining high adaptability through multiple specification methods while preventing operational complexity from increasing, as the selection process is automated.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing method is provided for use with an information processing apparatus capable of sending data of a sending job to an external destination and capable of selectively utilizing a plurality of types of destination specification methods as a method for specifying a destination of the data of the sending job. When a predetermined instruction is input via a user interface unit, a prespecified destination specification method among the plurality of types of destination specification methods can be automatically utilized. A user is enabled to select a destination of the data of the sending job via the user interface unit by using the prespecified destination specification method. The information processing apparatus is enabled to send the data of the sending job to the destination selected by the user via the user interface unit by using the prespecified destination specification method among the plurality of types of destination specification methods.