Image Forming Apparatus Job Status Display Before Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital multifunction peripherals (MFPs) do not adequately inform users about jobs that will be affected by a power shutdown, making it difficult for users to determine when it is safe to shut down the device without canceling ongoing or stored jobs.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that holds job information, determines if there are jobs under execution or waiting, and displays this information to the user before proceeding with a power shutdown, allowing users to make informed decisions about job cancellation or continuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the main power supply is shut down to reduce power consumption and enhance security, then power consumption is reduced and security is improved, but users cannot know the timing when shutdown is safe without job cancellation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of job status before shutdown is executed. The determining unit checks whether jobs are under execution or waiting in the holding unit, and the display unit presents this information to the user in advance, allowing the user to make an informed decision about shutdown timing without job loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user about the current job status through the display unit. This feedback mechanism informs users about jobs under execution or waiting, enabling them to adjust their shutdown decisions based on the actual system state
2Ease of operation
If a message indicating power supply shutdown instruction is displayed, then users are notified of the shutdown, but no information about affected jobs is provided
Solution Approach 1:
Before the shutdown instruction is fully executed, the system performs a preliminary check using the determining unit to identify jobs under execution or waiting. This information is then displayed to the user, ensuring that job status information is provided along with the shutdown notification
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the shutdown notification function with the job status information display. Instead of providing separate notifications, the display unit combines both pieces of information into a single comprehensive message that informs users about both the upcoming shutdown and the affected jobs
3Reliability
If storage type jobs like secure print jobs are input, then job security is enhanced, but users cannot know the existence of these jobs
Solution Approach 1:
The determining unit detects the presence of storage type jobs in the holding unit and provides feedback through the display unit. This feedback mechanism ensures that users are informed about the existence of secure print jobs and other storage type jobs, even though these jobs require additional authentication before execution
Data Source
AI summary
When a shutdown instruction is input, whether there is a job under execution or a waiting job is determined (S604). A list of information on a job under execution, if it is found, and information on a waiting job, if it is found, is displayed (S611). After the list is displayed, a control process pertaining to shutdown is performed.