Network Interface Display Control for MFP Input Error Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multifunctional printers (MFPs) with multiple network interfaces (I/Fs) face complex network setting configurations, leading to input errors due to the need for distinct settings for each interface, which can result in incorrect IP address assignments.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a display control unit that determines what to display on the screen for network settings based on the selected network interface, reducing errors by clearly indicating configured settings and locking fields for pre-set values to prevent user input errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If network settings are configured for each of the plurality of network I/Fs, then the MFP can connect to different networks via multiple interfaces, but the setting operations become complicated and input errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidsetting operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The network setting screen is segmented and displayed separately for each network interface. When a user selects a specific network interface, only the setting screen for that interface is shown, rather than displaying all network settings simultaneously. This segmentation reduces the complexity of setting operations while maintaining the ability to configure multiple network interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If network settings are configured for each of the plurality of network I/Fs, then the MFP can connect to different networks via multiple interfaces, but IP addresses may be erroneously assigned to wrong interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidIP address assignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The setting screen is segmented by network interface, so that IP address settings for each interface are displayed and configured separately. This prevents the confusion of assigning IP addresses to wrong interfaces by isolating the configuration context to the selected interface only.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by displaying which network interface is currently selected and showing only the relevant setting screen for that interface. This feedback mechanism helps users verify they are configuring the correct interface, thereby improving IP address assignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11275541B2Image forming apparatus equipped with communication function, control method therefor, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus which is capable of reducing input errors in network settings. The image forming apparatus has a plurality of network I/Fs and connects an image formation control apparatus to one of the plurality of network I/Fs. A display control unit controls display on a screen relating to network settings on the image forming apparatus. Based on selection of a network I/F to which the image formation control apparatus is to be connected, the display control unit determines what to display on the screen relating to network settings on the image forming apparatus.