Image Processing Apparatus Mode Selection for Action Pattern Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing apparatuses, such as MFPs, face challenges in providing simple operations for users familiar with functions while ensuring careful execution, as existing techniques require re-registration of action patterns and are complex, leading to potential operation errors due to unclear relations between operation patterns and action patterns.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus with a registration unit for associating functions with action patterns, a selection unit to choose between a first mode that executes registered action patterns and a second mode that executes user-designated action patterns, allowing for flexible operation based on user requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the action pattern is fixed and registered in advance, then the operation is simple for familiar users, but the system cannot adapt to changing user requests

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to changing requests

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the action pattern changeable rather than fixed. The system allows users to modify registered action patterns and select different modes (first mode for registered patterns, second mode for custom patterns) during operation, enabling the system to adapt to changing user requests while maintaining operational simplicity through the registration framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user can change the action pattern, then the system becomes adaptable to different requests, but the operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different requestsVSAvoidcomplexity of change operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operation into two distinct modes: first mode for executing registered action patterns and second mode for designating custom action patterns. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate level of complexity based on their needs, maintaining simplicity when using registered patterns while enabling adaptability when customization is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If re-registration is required to change the action pattern, then the system maintains consistency, but the operation becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of action patternVSAvoidtime for re-registration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by allowing users to pre-register action patterns in advance. These registered patterns can then be selected and executed without requiring re-registration, saving time and maintaining consistency. The system stores these pre-defined patterns and retrieves them during operation, eliminating the need for repeated registration processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If the system provides detailed confirmation messages, then the execution is careful and accurate, but the operation becomes complex and may cause errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution accuracyVSAvoidoperability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of confirmation based on the selected mode and specific operation context. The system can display confirmation messages selectively rather than universally, allowing careful execution when needed while maintaining simple operation when the context permits, thus improving both reliability and ease of operation in different situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11606471B2Image processing apparatus that performs function in action pattern corresponding to changeable user's request, control method therefor, and storage medium storing control

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 CANON KK

AI summary

An image processing apparatus that is capable of a simple operation and is capable of executing a function in an action pattern corresponding to a changeable user's request. A registration unit registers a function in association with an action pattern. A selection unit designates a function registered by the registration unit and to select one of a first mode and a second mode. A controller controls so as to execute a function designated by the selection unit according to the action pattern registered in association with the designated function when the selection unit selects the first mode, and to execute a function designated by the selection unit according to an action pattern designated by a user irrespective of the action pattern registered in association with the designated function when the selection unit selects the second mode.