Settings History Button Reference Switching for MFPs

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In recent MFPs, the initial values registered at factory shipment are directly used for identifying setting values that differ from the user-input values, leading to inaccurate reflection of user-input information on the settings history button, making it difficult for users to recall the setting contents associated with the settings history button.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a control unit to manage setting values, a display control unit for the settings history button, a reference switching unit to adjust identification references based on changed initial values, and a generation unit to create setting value information for accurate display on the settings history button.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the initial values registered at factory shipment are directly used as the reference for identifying setting values, then the system structure remains simple, but the accuracy of reflecting user-input information on the settings history button deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidaccuracy of setting value identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by switching the reference from factory initial values to user-changed initial values before identifying setting values for display. This ensures that the identification process uses the correct reference point (user-modified defaults) rather than the original factory defaults, thereby accurately reflecting which settings represent actual user input versus inherited defaults

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the reference parameter dynamically based on whether initial values have been modified. When initial values are changed, the identification reference switches from factory initial values to the new initial values. This parameter change enables accurate differentiation between settings that inherit from defaults versus settings that represent genuine user input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the initial values are changed to other initial values, then the adaptability of the system improves, but the accuracy of the settings history button in reflecting user-input information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of initial valuesVSAvoidaccuracy of setting value identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by making the identification reference flexible and adaptive rather than fixed. The reference automatically switches between factory initial values and user-changed initial values depending on the current state. This dynamic adjustment ensures that even as initial values change, the identification process remains accurate in distinguishing user input from inherited defaults

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the reference parameter based on the modification state of initial values. When users change initial values, the system switches the identification reference to match the new baseline, ensuring continuous accuracy in identifying which settings represent actual user input versus inherited defaults

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the identification reference is not switched when initial values change, then the system operation remains simple, but the information accuracy on the settings history button deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of system operationVSAvoidaccuracy of user input information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically switching the identification reference before the identification process occurs. This preliminary switch ensures that the correct reference (user-changed initial values) is in place, preventing information loss without requiring complex user intervention or manual reference management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service by automatically managing the identification reference switching based on the state of initial values. The system monitors whether initial values have been modified and autonomously adjusts the reference accordingly, eliminating the need for user awareness or manual configuration while maintaining accurate information display

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11445077B2Information processing apparatus capable of displaying settings history button, method of controlling same, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus that enables a user to easily grasp setting values associated with a settings history button. Execution of a function selected by a user is controlled using setting values set on a setting screen displayed with initial values of the setting values registered at factory shipment. An identification reference used for identifying a setting value used and different from a corresponding initial value is switched. An instruction for changing the initial values on the setting screen to other initial values than the initial values registered at factory shipment is received. Setting value information indicative of the identified setting value is displayed for a settings history button for calling setting values used for the function. If the initial values on the setting screen are changed to the other initial values, the identification reference is switched to the other initial values.