Image Forming Apparatus Folder Shortcuts for Scan and Print Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack efficient methods for simplifying the operation of specifying destinations to store scanned data and sources to call up print data, leading to increased user effort.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a storage device, input acceptance device, image reading device, image forming device, and a shortcut creator that allows users to create and utilize shortcuts for folders where scanned data and printed data are to be stored, reducing the effort required to specify these destinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually specify folders for storing scanned data and print data, then data can be stored and accessed, but user effort and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically creates shortcuts and manages folder associations without requiring manual user configuration. The image reading device and image forming device automatically store data in designated folders, and the controller automatically creates shortcuts linking these folders, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes folder structures and shortcut links before data storage operations are needed. By proactively creating the folder hierarchy and shortcut associations in advance, the system eliminates the need for users to perform these setup operations manually when they need to store or access data.
2Ease of operation
If shortcuts are created for folders, then data access is simplified, but system functionality and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shortcut creation mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates quick access links to folders, automatically associates scanned image data with appropriate folders, automatically associates printed data with appropriate folders, and maintains the relationships between these elements. This multi-functional approach simplifies the user interface while consolidating complexity into automated background processes.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes: a storage device (15) that stores a folder where data is contained; an input acceptance device (12) that accepts an input of an instruction from a user; an image reading device (13) that reads an image of an original document and acquires image data representing the image; an image forming device (14) that prints an image on a sheet based on print data; a shortcut creator (112) that creates, according to the input of the instruction accepted by the input acceptance device (12), a shortcut for the folder where the acquired image data is to be contained and a shortcut for the folder where the printed print data is to be contained; and a controller (111) that allows the acquired image data and the printed print data to be contained in the folder represented by the shortcut in accordance with an instruction to specify the shortcut accepted by the input acceptance device (12).