Dynamic Function Restriction Release in Image Forming Apparatus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face issues where restrictions on setting values cannot be released once changed, limiting users' ability to select desired functions, as the restriction on one function cannot be lifted to allow another function to be selected.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device with a setter and a restrictor that allows users to select between multiple functions, where the restriction on a first function is released when a second function is chosen, enabling the selection of previously restricted functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a restriction is imposed on a setting item to prevent conflicts, then conflict prevention is improved, but the ability to release the restriction and select alternative functions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconflict preventionVSAvoidfunction selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction state is made dynamic rather than static. The restriction on the first setting item is automatically released when the second setting item is selected, allowing the system to adapt its constraints based on user choices. This enables the restriction to be imposed when needed (for conflict prevention) and released when appropriate (when alternative functions are selected), resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and enabling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a setting value is changed to resolve a conflict, then conflict resolution is improved, but the ability to change it again to a different value deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconflict resolutionVSAvoidsetting value reconfigurability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts restriction states based on selection sequences. When a second setting item is chosen, the restriction on the first setting item is released, allowing users to reconfigure settings in multiple steps rather than being locked into a single change. This maintains conflict resolution while enabling ongoing reconfigurability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11265434B2Information processing device, control method, and recording medium with restriction function

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 SHARP KK

AI summary

Provided is an information processing device connected to a device that executes a process in accordance with a function selected by a user among a plurality of functions, the information processing device includes a setter that sets a first function and a second function from the plurality of functions and a restrictor that restricts the first function, and the restrictor releases the restriction on the first function if the user selects the second function.