Information Processing Apparatus for Automated Management Code Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing apparatuses require users to manually input a management code each time a print instruction is given, leading to a complicated and cumbersome process.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that simplifies the input operation by receiving identification information, displaying an input screen for a management code based on log information, and associating it with job execution history, allowing for automated management code assignment and log information transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a management code is input each time a user gives a print instruction, then the job can be associated with the management code, but the input operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejob association accuracyVSAvoidinput operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays an input screen for the management code in advance before the print instruction is fully executed. This preliminary display allows the user to prepare and input the management code more easily, rather than requiring complex input procedures during the actual printing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages the association between management codes and log information by displaying the input screen and processing the input automatically. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for manual intervention and complex user operations while maintaining accurate job associations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual management code input is required each time, then the management code can be accurately assigned, but the operation process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanagement code assignment accuracyVSAvoidoperation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input screen serves as an intermediary interface between the user and the management code assignment process. It simplifies the interaction by providing a dedicated display for entering the management code, thereby maintaining assignment accuracy while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

By displaying the input screen in advance, the system allows users to prepare the management code input before the actual job execution. This preliminary action ensures accurate assignment while making the overall process less cumbersome.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the management code input is automated based on identification information, then the input operation is simplified, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput operation simplicityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically displays the appropriate input screen based on the identification information received. This self-service automation simplifies user operations while the underlying automated logic manages the system complexity, preventing it from propagating to the user interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses identification information as feedback to determine which input screen to display. This feedback mechanism enables automated, context-appropriate input screen selection that simplifies user operations while managing system complexity through intelligent decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4102815A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4102815A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4102815A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4102815A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes circuitry; and a memory storing computer-executable instructions that cause the circuitry to execute receiving input of identification information for identifying a subject requesting execution of a service; and displaying, on a display, an input screen for inputting a management code associated with log information indicating execution history of a job, based on the identification information.