Portable Shortcut Transfer for Multi-Device Image Forming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming devices require users to manually register shortcuts on multiple devices, increasing operational burden.

Innovation Solution

A system and image forming device that allows for the copying of shortcut information from one device to a portable memory, enabling seamless registration of shortcuts on other devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If shortcut registration settings are performed manually on each image forming device, then the shortcut can be registered on the device, but the user operational burden greatly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshortcut registration convenienceVSAvoidtime for repetitive setup

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables copying of shortcut information from one image forming device to another through portable memory. The first device copies shortcut information (including settings values and image formation process specifications) to portable memory, which is then mounted on the second device to automatically register the shortcut, eliminating manual repetitive setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

Portable memory serves as an intermediary medium between multiple image forming devices. It stores copied shortcut information and enables transfer of registration settings between devices, allowing a user to register a shortcut on one device and have it automatically available on other devices without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the same registration settings are performed on multiple image forming devices, then the shortcut function is available on each device, but the operational burden on the user increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshortcut availability across devicesVSAvoidregistration process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system copies complete shortcut information packages (including all necessary settings values and process specifications) from one device to portable memory, which can then be transferred to multiple other devices. This allows a single registration action on one device to create adaptable shortcut functionality across multiple devices without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12474876B2System including first device copying shortcut information to portable memory, and second device performing shortcut related process based on the shortcut information stored in the portable memory

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A system includes first and second image forming devices including first and second controllers respectively. The first controller displays a shortcut icon on the basis of shortcut information. The shortcut information specifies that an image formation process and a settings value thereof are associated with a shortcut icon. In response to receiving an operation on the shortcut icon, the controller controls a first image formation engine to perform an image formation process specified in the shortcut information using the settings value specified in the shortcut information. In response to receiving an instruction, the first controller copies the shortcut information to the portable memory so that the portable memory stores copied shortcut information. After the portable memory is mounted on the second image forming device, the second controller performs a shortcut process related to the copied shortcut information.