Locking User Settings in Information Processing Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience when setting multiple items for image processing tasks across different information processing apparatuses, as settings are often overwritten, requiring repetitive configuration and leading to potential loss of previously set user preferences.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a user interface, processor, and memory that acquires and locks settings, preventing changes to locked settings, ensuring consistent user preferences across different devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If settings are allowed to be changed freely on a new information processing apparatus, then ease of operation is improved as users can adjust settings according to their preferences, but previously set settings are overwritten and lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of settingVSAvoidloss of settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically acquiring and storing settings from a previously used information processing apparatus before the user arrives. This ensures that when the user does set things, they start with a pre-configured baseline rather than a blank slate, reducing the need for repetitive configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a copy of the settings data from the previously used information processing apparatus and stores it in the new apparatus. This copying mechanism allows the new apparatus to inherit the user's preferred settings without requiring the user to manually reconfigure everything, while still allowing selective modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Loss of time

If settings are automatically acquired from a previously used apparatus, then time required for configuration is reduced, but user ability to modify settings is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for settingVSAvoidflexibility of setting

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic behavior by allowing settings to transition from an automatically acquired state to a user-modifiable state. Users can select which acquired settings to keep and which to modify or delete, creating a flexible hybrid approach that combines automation with user control rather than forcing a static choice between the two extremes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple setting items are configured manually, then adaptability to user needs is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of settingsVSAvoidcomplexity of setting operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the settings from the previously used information processing apparatus with the new apparatus, combining the benefits of automated configuration with selective user customization. This consolidation approach allows users to work with a unified set of settings rather than managing multiple separate configurations across different devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11599309B2Information processing apparatus improved in convenience of operation of setting setting items, method of controlling same, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus including a user interface unit that is operated so as to set settings of a plurality of setting items in the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus acquires information including settings of the plurality of setting items and determines whether or not a lock setting for inhibiting the plurality of setting items or a plurality of settings from being changed is included in the acquired information. In a case where it is determined that the lock setting is included, at least the plurality of setting items or the plurality of settings, associated with the lock setting, are inhibited from being change by operating the user interface unit.