Image Forming Apparatus Application Settings Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses require users to repeatedly set preferences due to lack of personalized settings retention, leading to user frustration and decreased user-friendliness, especially when switching between applications or encountering errors.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system to store and recall user-specific settings on an application-by-application basis, allowing settings to be automatically displayed when the user switches to a specific application, thereby eliminating the need for repeated setup and enhancing user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If settings are automatically cleared after a predetermined time period, then the next user can avoid using previous user's settings, but the user has to make the same settings repeatedly which is troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting isolation between usersVSAvoidrepeated setting operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically storing user settings in the storage unit during the user's operation period, and then automatically retrieving and applying these stored settings when the same user logs in again, eliminating the need for repeated setting operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by detecting which application is currently operating, automatically retrieving the corresponding stored settings for that application, and applying them without requiring user input, thus creating a closed-loop system that adapts to user behavior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If customization function is provided to allow users to make initial settings, then users can have personalized settings, but inexperienced users find difficulty in the customization operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalized settingsVSAvoidcustomization operations complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically detecting the operating application and retrieving the corresponding stored settings without requiring user intervention in customization operations, allowing users to benefit from personalized settings without needing to perform complex customization tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary customization by pre-storing settings for each application in the storage unit, so that when an application is operated, the corresponding settings are automatically retrieved and applied, eliminating the need for users to perform customization operations at the time of use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the initial display screen is based on the first-selected function, then user preference is considered, but when application is switched to another application, it requires making settings again which reduces user-friendliness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial screen personalizationVSAvoidcross-application settings retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments settings by storing them in the storage unit according to different applications, with each application having its own dedicated settings data, allowing independent retrieval and application of settings for each application without interference from other applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic adaptation by detecting which application is currently operating and automatically retrieving the corresponding stored settings for that specific application, making the settings system flexible and adaptive to different application contexts rather than static

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If settings are stored for quick retrieval, then user effort is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to storage and retrieval mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings retrieval speedVSAvoidstorage and retrieval system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage unit serves multiple functions: it stores settings data for multiple different applications, retrieves settings based on application detection, and automatically applies the retrieved settings, making a single component perform multiple related functions to reduce overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2790395B1Image forming apparatus capable of displaying initial screen based on past setting information, method of controlling the image forming apparatus, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2021.08.04 CANON KK

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AI summary

An image forming apparatus improved in user-friendliness of operation for making settings concerning the operation of applications. A storage control section stores personal settings in a HDD, on an application-by-application basis. An authentication section authenticates a user. A display control unit is configured to, in response to selection of an application by the user authenticated by the authentication section, read from the HDD personal settings associated with the application, and display the personal settings on a console section.