Image Reader Semi-Automatic Setting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses do not allow for easy semi-automatic setting of manually setting some setting contents while automatically setting the remaining contents, leading to an all-or-nothing approach where manual settings are ignored when automatic mode is activated.
Innovation Solution
An image reading device equipped with an image reader, operation receiver, display, and controller, which allows for automatic setting of at least one setting item upon user instruction, permits manual override of automatically set settings, and notifies the user of changes made to automatically set settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic mode is activated to automatically set all setting items, then automation extent is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because manual settings are ignored and users cannot perform semi-automatic setting
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the state of setting items between automatic and manual modes. When automatic mode is activated, setting items transition to an automatic state where they can still be changed to manual state by user operation, allowing flexible switching between automation levels for different setting items independently
Solution Approach 2:
The setting items are segmented into independent automatic and manual states. Each setting item can independently exist in either automatic mode or manual mode, allowing users to select specific items for automatic setting while keeping others manually controllable, rather than forcing all-or-nothing automation
2Productivity
If all setting items are automatically set when automatic mode is activated, then productivity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because users cannot manually adjust specific settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between automatic and manual states for each setting item. Users can activate automatic mode for productivity while retaining the ability to manually adjust specific settings when adaptability is needed, making the system adaptable to different operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Setting items are divided into independently controllable automatic and manual modes, enabling users to apply automatic setting to some items for efficiency while maintaining manual control over specific items that require customization, thus achieving both productivity and adaptability
3Extent of automation
If manual settings are cleared when automatic mode is activated, then automation extent is improved, but loss of information occurs because previously set manual values are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages setting states without permanent deletion. When automatic mode is activated, manual settings transition to automatic state rather than being deleted, preserving the ability to restore manual control and retain setting information for future use
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of permanently discarding manual settings when automatic mode is activated, the system preserves them in an recoverable state. Users can switch back to manual mode to recover and adjust settings as needed, preventing permanent loss of setting information
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an image reading device includes: an image reader which reads an image in accordance with setting contents of a plurality setting items; an operation receiver; a display; and a controller. The controller automatically sets, when a first operation is performed on the operation receiver, the setting contents of least one of the setting items; allows, when a second operation is performed on the operation receiver, the setting contents of the automatically set setting item to be changed by manual setting; and causes the display to notify that the setting contents of the automatically set setting item are changed by the manual setting.