Converter for MFP Job Segmentation and Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming systems, such as MFPs, face challenges in allowing users to seamlessly utilize customized operation settings across different devices with varying functionalities, as functions like double-sided printing may not be compatible between high and low-function MFPs, leading to incomplete functionality when using settings from a high-function MFP on a low-function device.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a converter to divide operations of specific function modes into multiple jobs that can be executed on lower-function MFPs, converting execution information to ensure compatibility and functionality equivalence, allowing users to access customized settings across diverse MFPs by reconstructing functions using available capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If customized operation settings are stored and transferred between image forming apparatuses, then user convenience and operational consistency are improved, but compatibility issues arise when function modes are not available on all devices
Solution Approach 1:
The converter divides a function mode that is not available on the target apparatus into multiple separate jobs that can be executed by the target apparatus. For example, a complex double-sided printing function is segmented into individual printing operations that the lower-function apparatus can handle sequentially or in batches, thereby resolving the compatibility issue while maintaining the intended functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter acts as an intermediary between the setting information storage and the image forming apparatus. It translates and adapts the customized settings to be compatible with the specific apparatus being used, enabling seamless operation across different device models without requiring modifications to the original user preferences.
2Reliability
If function modes are cancelled on low-function MFPs to ensure compatibility, then system reliability is improved, but functionality and user capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cancelling the unavailable function mode entirely, the converter segments it into multiple executable jobs. This allows the system to maintain reliability by only executing compatible operations while preserving the full functionality through alternative job combinations, thus avoiding the loss of capability that would result from simple cancellation.
3Ease of operation
If operation settings are customized for specific users, then user experience is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for conversion mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The converter serves as a dedicated intermediary component that handles all the complexity of setting adaptation. By isolating the conversion logic in a separate module, the core image forming apparatus remains relatively simple while still providing enhanced user experience through customized settings. The converter manages the complexity of translating between different apparatus capabilities without burdening the main device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An information converter includes an acquisition part for acquiring execution information of a specific function mode, the specific function mode being included in customized information which is operation setting information customized for a specific user and not being installed in a specific image forming apparatus; and a converter for dividing an operation to be executed in the specific function mode into a plurality of jobs which can be executed in the specific image forming apparatus and converting the execution information of the specific function mode into converted execution information described by using combination of the plurality of jobs.