Image Processing Apparatus Setting Lock for Multiple Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image output systems, there is a risk that user-set settings for single images differ from actual settings when registering images for output, and this discrepancy is exacerbated when handling multiple images, leading to potential misalignment or incorrect printing configurations.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with an image selection receiving unit, a change receiving unit, and a control unit that manages setting changes differently for single and multiple images, preventing changes to output settings for multiple images selected, and ensuring that settings revert to initial states for uniform processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If setting changes are allowed uniformly for both single image and multiple images, then operational flexibility is improved, but setting accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to potential discrepancies between user intentions and actual settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsetting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different setting change rules to different cases: for single images, setting changes are allowed with confirmation, while for multiple images, setting changes are restricted to initial settings only. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by tailoring the operational flexibility and reliability requirements to each specific scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the acceptability of setting changes based on the number of selected images. The control unit determines whether to accept setting changes by referencing the number of selected images, making the system's behavior adaptive rather than static. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain reliability for multiple images while preserving operational flexibility for single images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If setting changes are accepted for multiple images, then user customization is improved, but processing consistency deteriorates due to potential misalignment in output settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser customizationVSAvoidprocessing consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different handling rules based on the number of selected images. For multiple images, setting changes are restricted to maintain consistency, while for single images, customization is permitted. This local quality approach ensures that processing consistency is maintained where needed while allowing customization where appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

When multiple images are selected, the system uses the initial settings as a template that cannot be modified, ensuring all images are processed consistently. The initial settings act as a fixed reference that prevents divergence in processing parameters across multiple images, thereby maintaining processing consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If uniform setting handling is applied to all image selections, then system simplicity is improved, but setting reliability deteriorates due to inability to distinguish between single and multiple image scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidsetting reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of the number of selected images before accepting any setting changes. The control unit references this count to decide whether to accept setting changes, preventing reliability issues before they occur. This preliminary action adds minimal complexity while significantly improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the number of selected images, transitioning between different operational modes. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain simplicity in implementation while achieving reliability through context-aware decision-making, avoiding the need for complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11360719B2Information processing apparatus reducing a possibility that the content of the setting that a user recognizes has been made differs from the content of the actual setting and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes an image selection receiving unit, a change receiving unit, and a control unit. The image selection receiving unit receives selection of an image to be registered in a system that executes an image output process. The change receiving unit receives a change in setting related to output of the image which is selected via the image selection receiving unit. The control unit controls the change receiving unit such that, in a case where only one image is selected using the image selection receiving unit, the change receiving unit receives the change in setting related to output of the selected image, and such that, in a case where plural images are selected using the image selection receiving unit, the change receiving unit does not receive the change in setting related to output of the plural selected images.