Periodic Process Management for Image Forming Apparatuses
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cumbersome nature of operating image forming apparatuses, such as printers and copiers, due to numerous settings and functions, make it difficult for users to efficiently perform routine tasks, which are often periodic in nature.
Innovation Solution
A screen control device with a history storage unit, periodic process determination unit, execution schedule calculation unit, periodic process management unit, and display controller that identifies and manages periodic processes, automatically calculates execution schedules, and displays a dedicated screen for periodic process execution, simplifying user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions and highly-functions are incorporated in an image forming apparatus, then the functionality and versatility of the apparatus is improved, but the operation complexity and ease of operation deteriorates due to numerous buttons and settings on the operation screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts periodic process execution from the complex general operation screen by creating a dedicated periodic process execution screen. This separate interface specifically handles periodic tasks, removing them from the cluttered general operation environment and simplifying user interaction for routine periodic tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation screen is segmented into different functional areas, with a dedicated periodic process execution screen for handling periodic tasks separately from the general operation screen. This segmentation allows users to access periodic functions through a simplified, purpose-specific interface rather than navigating through all available functions on the main screen.
2Productivity
If users need to execute periodic routine tasks using the image forming apparatus, then the productivity for routine tasks is improved, but the time and effort required for operation increases due to complex settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting periodic processes from execution history and pre-configuring the periodic process execution screen with relevant information. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to manually re-enter settings each time a periodic task needs to be executed.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus serves itself by automatically identifying periodic tasks from past execution patterns and presenting them for re-execution without requiring users to manually configure all parameters. The system uses its own execution history to automate the setup process for periodic tasks.
3Loss of information
If the system provides detailed operation screens for all functions, then the completeness of information is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsens due to the number of buttons and settings
Solution Approach 1:
Different screens provide different levels of information detail appropriate to their specific purpose. The periodic process execution screen provides focused information for periodic tasks, while maintaining access to detailed settings when needed. This local quality ensures information completeness for each specific function without overwhelming the user with all possible information simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A screen control device includes: a history storage unit that stores history information associating information on a process executed in an image forming apparatus with user information that identifies a user who executed the process; a periodic process determination unit that determines whether a process executed by the user is a periodic process executed periodically based on the history information; an execution schedule calculation unit that calculates, in a case where the process executed by the user is a periodic process, an execution scheduled date when the periodic process is executed next time; a periodic process management unit that manages the periodic process in association with the user and the calculated execution scheduled date; and a display controller that displays a screen that allows an execution of the periodic process on a display when the user uses the image forming apparatus during a given term including the execution scheduled date.