Firmware Upgrade Notification for Image Processing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users may not be aware of specific functions that can be executed by upgrading the firmware of an image processing device, as these functions are not displayed if the device is selected before the upgrade, leading to potential missed opportunities for functionality.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory computer-readable medium with instructions that allows an information processing device to communicate with an image processing device, enabling the selection of arbitrary devices and notifying users of functions that can be executed by updating the firmware of the selected device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the selection device is selected before firmware upgrade, then the device can be used with current functions, but the specific function that requires firmware upgrade is not displayed and cannot be accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of firmware version and compares it with the required version before displaying function icons. This preliminary action allows the system to anticipate which functions are available and which require upgrade, enabling proactive notification to the user about upgradeable functions without interfering with current device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification mechanism acts as an intermediary between the device's actual capabilities and the user's perception. By introducing this intermediate layer, the system can convey information about upgradeable functions that would otherwise remain hidden, bridging the gap between current functionality and potential functionality without requiring immediate firmware upgrade.
2Ease of operation
If the icon for specific function is not displayed before firmware upgrade, then the interface remains simple, but the user fails to notice the device's potential capability
Solution Approach 1:
The notification mechanism serves as an intermediary that selectively reveals information about upgradeable functions without cluttering the interface. It provides a controlled way to communicate additional capability information only when relevant, maintaining interface simplicity while preventing information loss about potential functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the overall interface structure, the notification is applied locally to specific function icons or areas. This allows the interface to remain simple and uncluttered while providing targeted information about upgradeable functions where it is most relevant to the user.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the user must reselect the device after firmware upgrade to access new functions, then the system maintains consistency, but the user experience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user about firmware upgrade status and available functions without requiring device reselection. This feedback mechanism maintains system consistency by accurately reflecting the device's actual capabilities while improving user experience by eliminating unnecessary reselection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of firmware version and function availability, allowing it to proactively update the displayed information and notification status after upgrade. This preliminary detection capability enables the system to maintain consistency while avoiding the need for user-initiated reselection.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer-readable medium has instructions to control a computer, which includes a communication interface capable of communicating with an image processing device, to perform operations, and the operations includes: causing to select an arbitrary image processing device from one or more image processing devices, and notifying a specific function, the specific function being possible to be executed by updating a version of firmware of a selection image processing device that is selected in the selecting.