Cross-Device User Menu Synchronization for Multi-Function Printers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-functional processing apparatuses, such as printers and scanners, require users to set individual settings on each device, which is time-consuming, and processing operations available on one device may not be available on others, limiting functionality and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A processing instruction device with a memory, display instruction data acquisition unit, specifying unit, display controller, operation data acquisition unit, and processing instruction unit, which acquires and displays user menu screens across multiple devices, allowing users to select alternative processing operations based on attribute matching and user authentication, enabling consistent functionality across different apparatuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users set individual settings on each processing apparatus, then each apparatus can be configured according to user needs, but the setting process becomes time-consuming and repetitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidsetting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables copying of user menu screen display instructions from one processing apparatus to another. The display instruction data acquisition unit acquires display instruction data from a source apparatus, and the display controller reproduces the user menu screen on a destination apparatus without requiring users to reconfigure settings, thus saving time while maintaining configuration flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal user menu screen display instruction data that can be applied across multiple different processing apparatuses. The system stores display instruction data in a database and can reproduce user menu screens on various apparatuses (image forming devices, imaging devices, data communication devices), making the configuration universal rather than apparatus-specific

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If processing operations are device-specific, then each apparatus maintains its unique functionality, but users cannot access the same functions across different devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality consistencyVSAvoidcross-device accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system copies display instruction data that includes processing operation information from one apparatus to another. When a user selects a processing operation on the user menu screen of one apparatus, the corresponding display instruction data is acquired and reproduced on another apparatus, allowing the same functionality to be accessed across different devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a database as an intermediary that stores display instruction data from multiple processing apparatuses. This database acts as a mediator that enables the system to retrieve and reproduce user menu screen information from source apparatuses for display on destination apparatuses, facilitating cross-device functionality access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the system provides alternative processing operations when a selected operation is unavailable, then user convenience is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The specifying unit provides feedback by detecting whether a selected processing operation is available on the current apparatus. When the operation is unavailable, the system automatically specifies alternative processing operations based on the user's original selection and displays these alternatives on the user menu screen, improving user convenience through automated response

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of processing operation availability by detecting which operations are supported on each apparatus and dynamically adjusting the user menu screen accordingly. When a selected operation is unavailable, the system modifies the displayed operations to show only available alternatives, automatically adapting to the specific apparatus capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8941873B2Processing instruction device, processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A processing instruction device includes a memory, a display instruction data acquisition unit, a specifying unit, a display controller, an operation data acquisition unit, and a processing instruction unit. The memory stores processing instruction data, processing identification data, and processing attribute data. The display instruction data acquisition unit acquires display instruction data. If the display instruction data includes processing identification data which is not stored in the memory, the specifying unit specifies alternative processing instruction data. The display controller causes a display device to display an image which prompts a user to select the alternative processing instruction data. If the operation data acquisition unit acquires operation data indicating selection of processing instruction data, the processing instruction unit instructs at least one of an image forming device, an imaging device, and a data communication device to perform a processing operation in accordance with the acquired processing instruction data.