Print Option Feedback Reporting for Image Forming Upgrades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses may lack necessary installation options to execute user-specified printing options, leading to suboptimal operation and missed opportunities for administrators to enhance productivity by installing required features.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system and apparatus that includes a processor to specify required installation options, collect user feedback on these needs, generate report information, and notify administrators, enabling informed decision-making on necessary upgrades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the image forming apparatus performs image formation using only its own machine functions, then the apparatus can operate without additional installation options, but the user's expected value related to printing options cannot be fulfilled and productivity improvement opportunities are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to execute printing optionsVSAvoiduser's expected value information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system collects feedback information from users about their expected values regarding printing options through inquiry screens. This feedback mechanism enables the system to identify what installation options users desire, transforming the loss of information into actionable insights for improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of printing jobs to identify required installation options before execution. By specifying what installation options are needed in advance, the system prepares information that can later be used to enhance functionality and fulfill user expectations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the administrator is not notified about required installation options, then the apparatus continues operating with existing functions, but opportunities to enhance productivity through additional features are missed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproductivity enhancement opportunityVSAvoidtime for administrator consideration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to administrators by notifying them about required installation options and collected user expected value information. This timely notification enables administrators to make informed decisions about installing features that will enhance productivity, rather than losing opportunities through lack of awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically generates notifications and compiles information about required installation options without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach saves administrator time by presenting ready-analyzed information that facilitates quick decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system collects detailed user feedback on installation options, then better decisions can be made about future functionality, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuture functionality alignmentVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an intermediary processing layer that manages the complexity of collecting, analyzing, and storing user feedback. This intermediary structure handles the detailed feedback collection process while presenting simplified information to administrators, thereby maintaining adaptability without proportionally increasing perceived system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4661385A1Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP4661385A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4661385A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4661385A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an image forming system includes an image forming unit that forms an image according to a printing job based on installed functions, wherein the printing job includes printing options that require installation options to be installed in the image former to execute the printing job, and a processor. The processor is configured to specify the installation option required to execute the printing option included in the printing job after the image is formed by the image forming unit, collect expected value information indicating a user's expected value related to the specified installation option, generate report information on the installation option based on the collected user's expected value information, and output notification of the generated report information.