MFP External Memory Function Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses, such as MFPs, require complex operations for users to set parameters and access external apparatuses, leading to cumbersome processes, especially when performing functions related to external data processing.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a connection unit for external memory that stores function information, allowing automatic execution of processes without user intervention, using a read unit to specify external apparatuses and documents, and an execution unit to perform functions based on stored information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If parameters are manually set for each user or environment, then the image forming apparatus can perform functions uniquely suited to each user, but the operation becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing function information including parameters, external apparatus identification, and document information in an external memory device before use. When the external memory is inserted, the image forming apparatus automatically reads and applies this pre-configured information, eliminating the need for manual parameter setting during operation. This resolves the contradiction by preparing everything in advance so that highly adaptable functions can be executed with simple operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If user administration functions are implemented, then parameters can be held for each user, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the user administration function from the image forming apparatus itself and transferring it to an external memory device. The external memory stores all user-specific function information, while the image forming apparatus only needs to read and execute this information. This extraction reduces the system complexity of the image forming apparatus while maintaining the ability to provide user-specific functions.
3Reliability
If multiple operations are required to access external apparatuses and perform functions, then precise control is achieved, but the operation becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple pieces of information (function parameters, external apparatus identification, document information) into a single integrated data structure stored in the external memory. By inserting one external memory device, the user simultaneously provides all necessary information for accurate function execution, eliminating the need for multiple separate operations while maintaining execution accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual parameter setting is required for each function execution, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the image forming apparatus to automatically read and apply function information from the external memory without requiring manual parameter setting. The system serves itself by automatically configuring parameters and executing functions based on the pre-stored information, maintaining parameter flexibility while dramatically improving operational efficiency and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A USB memory stores, as function information, a function of processing a document and a place where the document is registered. An MFP includes a read unit for reading function information from the USB memory inserted into the MFP, a specifying unit for specifying required information from among the function information, an acquisition unit for accessing a server with the use of the specified information to acquire a target document to be processed, a setting unit for making a setting for performing a PullPrint function, which corresponds to the aforementioned function, with the use of the information, and a print control unit for executing a process for printing the acquired document on the basis of the setting made by the setting unit.