Automated Setting Backup for Image Recording Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming systems, administrators face the challenge of manually selecting and transferring setting information from old to new image forming devices, which is inefficient and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

An image recording device with a controller that stores and transmits setting information, identification information, and backup instructions through interfaces, allowing for automated association and transfer of data between devices, including cartridges, to facilitate seamless replacement and backup processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual selection and transfer of setting information is performed, then device replacement can be completed, but operator intervention time and potential for errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of setting information transferVSAvoidoperator intervention time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the image recording device to automatically perform setting information backup and restoration without operator intervention. The device autonomously identifies replacement devices, transfers settings, and completes the replacement process through automated communication protocols between devices and the information processing device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically backing up setting information from the old device before replacement occurs. The backup is prepared in advance and stored in the information processing device, so when replacement happens, the new device can immediately restore settings without manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If automated transfer of setting information is implemented, then operator intervention is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing device serves as an intermediary between the old and new image recording devices. It manages the backup and restoration processes, stores setting information, and coordinates communication between devices, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing device performs multiple functions including storing backup information, managing device replacement processes, and facilitating communication between devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each task, thereby controlling system complexity while achieving automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If setting information is stored in association with cartridge identification, then accurate device-state backup is achieved, but data management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of setting informationVSAvoiddata association complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the association data by using cartridge identification information as a key to link setting information with specific device states. This segmentation allows the system to manage complex data relationships through structured, modular data organization where each cartridge's settings are independently associated with its identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11698764B2Image recording device, computer readable medium, and method to back up setting information

Publication Date: 2023.07.11 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image recording device includes a cartridge mount to which a cartridge is mounted, a print engine that performs printing, a cartridge interface, an information interface, a memory, and a controller. The controller stores setting information obtained through the information interface in the memory, transmits identification information, the setting information and a backup instruction to an information processing device, the identification information being associated with the cartridge mounted in the cartridge mount, the backup instruction being for instructing to store the identification information and the setting information in association with each other, obtains the identification information from a cartridge memory, transmits the obtained identification information and a return instruction to the information processing device, the return instruction being for instructing to return the setting information, obtains the setting information transmitted by the information processing device, and stores the setting information obtained from the information processing device in the memory.