Printer Attribute Notification System for Device Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In environments where multiple printers of different models and configurations are installed, users face difficulties in identifying the characteristic functions and settings of available printers, such as color printing capabilities, due to varying configurations and settings over time.

Innovation Solution

A processing apparatus that references host device information and different device information to notify users of device attributes unique to the host device, utilizing a processor to generate and display characteristic information on user terminals, allowing users to distinguish between host and different devices based on their attributes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple printers of different models and configurations are installed in a building, then the versatility and functionality of the printing system is improved, but the difficulty of identifying characteristic functions and settings increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting system functionalityVSAvoiddevice identification difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The notification device uses visual indicators (such as icons, colors, or graphical elements) to represent different device attributes and characteristics. These visual markers change or vary based on the specific attributes of each printer, enabling users to quickly distinguish between different devices and their unique functions without having to study detailed specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The notification device acts as an intermediary between the multiple printers and the user. It receives information about device attributes from the printers and transforms this information into user-friendly notifications that highlight characteristic functions. This intermediary layer simplifies the complex information about multiple devices into easily digestible visual cues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If device configurations and settings vary over time, then the adaptability of individual devices is improved, but the reliability of consistent device identification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice configuration flexibilityVSAvoiddevice identification consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The notification device continuously monitors and detects changes in device attributes and settings. When a printer's configuration changes, the notification device updates its visual indicators to reflect the new state. This feedback mechanism ensures that users always receive accurate information about current device characteristics, maintaining reliable identification even as configurations evolve over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The notification system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It automatically adapts its notifications based on real-time device states, updating visual indicators when attributes change. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain reliable device identification while accommodating configuration flexibility and changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If users must manually identify characteristic functions of each printer, then the precision of device selection is improved, but the time required for device selection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice selection accuracyVSAvoiddevice selection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The notification device performs preliminary action by proactively presenting information about characteristic device attributes to users before they need to make a selection. Instead of requiring users to manually investigate each printer's features, the system提前 (in advance) displays relevant notifications about device capabilities, functions, and current status, enabling faster and more accurate device selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The notification device extracts and highlights only the most relevant characteristic attributes of each printer that are useful for the user's current task. Rather than presenting all possible device specifications, it selectively extracts and displays key information such as color printing capability, paper tray status, or special functions, reducing the time needed to identify the appropriate device while maintaining selection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20230236778A1Processing apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2023.07.27 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: reference host device information that represents device attributes provided to a host device and different device information that represents device attributes provided to a different device; and notify a user that uses the host device of device attributes of the host device that are not provided to the different device as characteristic information on the host device.