Image Processing Device Program Search Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators face laborious tasks when selecting desired program information from numerous registered options in image processing devices, particularly due to the need for manual visual checking and page navigation, which can lead to errors if the assigned names are forgotten.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a program information search processing portion that allows operators to search for program information using search key information corresponding to individual operational modes, thereby narrowing down the options and simplifying the selection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If numerous pieces of program information are registered in the image processing device, then the device functionality and versatility are improved, but the difficulty of finding and selecting the desired program information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidprogram selection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the program information by operational mode categories (copy mode, facsimile mode, electronic mail mode, etc.), allowing operators to navigate and select programs within specific functional categories rather than searching through all registered programs at once. This segmentation reduces the cognitive load and makes program selection more manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary search mechanism that mediates between the operator and the large database of registered programs. The search function acts as a mediator by accepting keywords or mode names and returning matching programs, thus bridging the gap between the operator's needs and the extensive program repository without requiring direct browsing of all programs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If program information is listed on the display portion for selection, then the operator can visually check options, but the time and labor required to find the desired program information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram identificationVSAvoidprogram selection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-organizing and indexing program information according to operational modes and keywords before the operator needs to select. This preliminary organization allows the search function to quickly retrieve relevant programs without requiring the operator to manually browse through all listed programs, significantly reducing selection time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual visual checking and page navigation with an automated search mechanism. Instead of physically scrolling through lists and manually searching for programs, the operator can input search criteria and the system automatically retrieves and displays matching programs, substituting manual mechanical search with automated information retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If each registered piece of program information is assigned an individual name, then the program can be identified, but the operator cannot select the desired program if the assigned name is forgotten

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram identificationVSAvoidprogram selection ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the program selection system universal by providing multiple access methods beyond just remembering specific program names. Operators can search programs by operational mode, function, or keywords, making the system adaptable to different levels of operator knowledge and reducing dependence on memorizing specific program identifiers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The search function provides feedback by displaying matching programs based on the operator's search criteria, allowing operators to see what programs are available without needing to remember their exact names. This feedback mechanism guides the operator to the desired program through iterative searching and result review rather than direct name recall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8161406B2Image processing device

Publication Date: 2012.04.17 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image processing device 100 includes a mode selection processing portion 50 capable of selecting a desired operational mode, a program registration processing portion 51 for storing in a program memory portion 57 the selected operational mode as a piece of program information, a program selection processing portion 52 capable of selecting a desired piece of program information from a plurality of pieces of program information stored in the program memory portion 57, a program call processing portion 53 for setting the operational mode on the basis of the piece of program information selected by the program selection processing portion 52, and a program information search processing portion 54 for searching a piece of program information from the plurality of pieces of program information stored in the program memory portion 57 on the basis of a piece of search key information corresponding to an individual operational mode.