Image-Forming Apparatus Display Control for Shared Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of shared image-forming apparatuses often face inconvenience due to the need to repeatedly set preferred settings, such as language, as these settings are not retained between usage sessions, leading to inefficiencies in operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that automatically switches between personal and shared settings based on user authentication, where personal settings are reflected upon login and shared settings upon logout, utilizing a display control unit to manage these changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If settings are cleared automatically after a predetermined time period to allow shared usage, then the apparatus can be shared by multiple users, but users must repeatedly define their preferred settings each time they use the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments settings into two distinct categories: personal settings (stored in a personal settings storage unit) and shared settings (stored in a shared settings storage unit). This segmentation allows the system to selectively apply different settings based on authentication state, resolving the contradiction by preserving personal preferences while enabling shared access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing both personal and shared settings before the user needs them. When a user logs in, their personal settings are automatically applied in advance, eliminating the need for repeated setting definitions. The system proactively manages settings transitions based on authentication events.
2Ease of operation
If personal settings are stored and automatically applied upon login, then user convenience is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional storage and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication control unit serves multiple functions: it not only verifies user credentials but also manages authentication state transitions and triggers settings switching. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving automatic personal setting application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically switching between personal and shared settings based on authentication state without requiring user intervention. The display control unit autonomously determines which settings to apply based on the authentication control unit's state, eliminating the need for manual setting configuration each time.
3Ease of operation
If multiple setting types (personal and shared) are maintained and switched based on authentication state, then user preferences are preserved, but the time required for settings management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by switching settings at specific periodic events - namely, upon authentication state changes (login/logout). Rather than continuously managing settings, the system triggers settings switching only at these discrete periodic moments, minimizing the time required for settings management while preserving personal preferences.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-forming apparatus includes a first display control unit configured to control so as to change an authentication state from a not-log-in state to a log-in state when a log-in request is received and if a authentication of a user succeeds and display an operation screen on an operation unit of the image-forming apparatus based on personal setting information associated with user-identification information by which the user is identifiable, and a second display control unit configured to control so as to change the authentication state from the log-in state to the not-log-in state when a log-out request is received and displays a screen which prompts input of user information on the operation unit based on shared setting information that is shared by a plurality of users.