Job History Management for Multi-Application Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses, such as multifunctional printers, do not effectively manage job histories when users switch between multi-functional and simple-functional applications, leading to inconvenience for users who want to execute jobs from a history without authentication, as the job history does not specify whether the job was executed with the multi-functional or simple-functional application.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that includes an operation unit and a control unit capable of selectively using one of two applications for job settings, with a management unit that records and displays job history information indicating which application was used for each job, allowing users to select the appropriate application for re-execution from the job history.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image processing apparatus manages job history without application-specific information, then the job history management is simple, but users cannot appropriately select copy jobs from the job history when multiple applications are used
Solution Approach 1:
The job history is segmented into separate histories for each application (multi-functional application and simple-functional application). This allows users to clearly distinguish which application executed which job, improving job selection accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through organized separation of history data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus provides detailed job settings for multiple applications, then users who desire various job settings can be satisfied, but the complexity of job setting increases for users who do not desire various job settings
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus dynamically adapts the job setting interface based on the selected application. When the simple-functional application is selected, only essential job settings are displayed, reducing complexity for basic users. When the multi-functional application is selected, comprehensive job settings become available, providing versatility for advanced users. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the apparatus displays application selection on the same screen as job history, then users can select the appropriate application and job simultaneously, but the screen layout becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The application selection interface and job history display are merged into a single integrated screen. Users can simultaneously view the job history and select both the application and specific job in one view, improving selection efficiency. The merged design uses clear visual organization to manage the increased information density without creating excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus displays a first job setting screen for a user to perform a setting when a predetermined job is executed by a first application and a second job setting screen for the user to perform a setting when the predetermined job is executed by a second application, displays a menu screen including the first application's software key and the second application's software key and one or a plurality of job histories having information regarding the application selection information, and receives designation of any of the job histories by the user. Whether an application corresponding to the information regarding the application selection information included in the designated job history is the first application or the second application is specified, and the first job setting screen or the second job setting screen, which corresponds to the specified application, is displayed.