Image Processing Device Settings Management via Model Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for managing multiple image processing devices, such as multifunction printers, often fail to correctly apply settings due to operator mistakes, leading to inconsistencies across devices.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device with a processor, memory, and interface that receives setting information from a server, applies settings, and communicates with other devices to ensure consistent configuration by matching model information and transmitting notifications for unapplied settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a server is used to configure the same settings for multiple image processing devices, then setting consistency across devices is improved, but operator mistakes lead to incorrect specification of target devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting consistencyVSAvoiddevice specification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where image processing devices report their current settings and device identifiers back to the server. The server uses this feedback to verify correct device identification and apply settings only to the intended devices, preventing operator mistakes in device specification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Each image processing device autonomously provides its own identification information and current setting state to the server. The devices self-identify and self-report, eliminating the need for manual device specification by operators, thus preventing operator mistakes while maintaining setting consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual device specification is used for setting application, then device selection flexibility is maintained, but operator mistakes cause incorrect settings application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice selection flexibilityVSAvoidsettings application accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary automatic device identification mechanism between the operator and the target devices. The server acts as a mediator that automatically matches settings with the correct devices using device identifiers, maintaining operator flexibility in initiating settings while ensuring accurate application through automated verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If settings are applied without verification, then setting application speed is improved, but setting consistency across devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting application speedVSAvoidsetting consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary verification actions where devices report their identifiers and current settings to the server before settings are applied. The server pre-verifies device identification and setting compatibility, ensuring consistency is maintained while allowing rapid settings application once verification is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback loops where devices continuously report their state to the server, and the server verifies settings before application. This feedback mechanism ensures setting consistency is maintained across all devices while allowing efficient batch settings application when verification succeeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11537338B1Systems and methods for managing settings of a plurality of image processing devices

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

A processing device includes an interface, a memory, and a processor. The interface facilitates communication with a server and other processing devices. The memory stores first model information indicating a first model of the processing device. The processor receives setting information from the server where the setting information includes a first ID for identifying a first setting content, applies the first setting content, transmits first ID information including the first model information and the first ID to the other processing devices, receives second ID information from the other processing devices, acquires second model information from the second ID information, determines whether a second setting content of a second ID included in the second ID information is already applied to the processing device in response to the second model information matching the first model information, and transmits a notification to the server indicating that the second setting content is not applied.