Removable Medium Switch Interface for Printer Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information processing apparatuses, such as image forming devices, often require a dedicated user interface to execute specific operations, which increases production costs and complexity, limiting their functionality without a dedicated switch or interface.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a medium with a mechanical switch that, when inserted, allows the apparatus to detect its state and generate numerical data for input, enabling the execution of operations without a dedicated user interface, using the medium as an external interface for inputting data and controlling the apparatus's functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated user interface (switch) is provided in the information processing apparatus, then the apparatus can execute specific operations, but the production cost increases and the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational functionalityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a removable storage medium as an intermediary to transfer operational commands from the user to the information processing apparatus. Instead of embedding switches directly in the apparatus, the medium carries data representing user instructions, allowing the apparatus to execute operations without having dedicated interface components built-in.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical switches with a data-based input method. Rather than using physical switches that mechanically trigger operations, the system uses data stored on a removable medium that is read by the apparatus, substituting mechanical interaction with electronic data processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated user interface (switch) is provided in the information processing apparatus, then the apparatus can execute specific operations, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational functionalityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The removable storage medium serves as an intermediary that carries operational commands, eliminating the need to manufacture expensive dedicated interface components in each apparatus. The medium can be produced independently and inserted into various apparatuses, reducing per-unit manufacturing costs while maintaining operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The same removable storage medium can be used across multiple different information processing apparatuses to provide user interface functionality. This universal approach allows a single medium design to serve multiple device types, reducing overall production costs compared to manufacturing dedicated interfaces for each apparatus model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If no dedicated user interface is provided, then production costs are reduced and apparatus size is downsized, but the apparatus cannot execute specific operations instructed by users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidoperational functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The removable storage medium acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between user intent and apparatus execution. Users can instruct operations by placing specific data on the medium, which the apparatus then reads and executes, enabling specific operations without requiring built-in interface components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the need for mechanical switches with a data-driven approach where user instructions are encoded on a removable medium. The apparatus reads this data and executes corresponding operations, achieving operational functionality without mechanical interface components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10868924B2Information processing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes an interface for a medium, which includes a mechanical switch, and circuitry. The circuitry is configured to: detect insertion of the medium into the interface; determine whether the insertion of the medium is for inputting data into the information processing apparatus; detect a state of the mechanical switch of the medium inserted, in response to determination that the insertion of the medium is for inputting data; generate numerical data according to the state; receive, as input data, the numerical data generated; and execute an operation according to the input data.