Repair Mode Access Control in Image Processing Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing apparatuses face issues with user-induced malfunctions due to lack of familiarity with repair or maintenance, risking further damage and limited scope of user repair capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a key code system that distinguishes between user and service technician modes, allowing users to access a restricted repair mode with guided screens and history logs, while service technicians can perform more advanced functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users are allowed to perform repair or maintenance work, then usability is improved, but the risk of erroneous operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability in repair or maintenance workVSAvoidrisk of user's erroneous operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the repair mode into multiple hierarchical screens (first screen showing simplified options, second screen showing detailed procedures) and divides functionality between user-accessible operations and service-technician-only operations. This segmentation allows users to perform basic repairs through guided screens while restricting advanced functions, thereby improving usability without significantly increasing error risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the scope of repair work for users is expanded, then usability is improved, but the likelihood of malfunctions due to erroneous operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescope of user repair capabilitiesVSAvoidlikelihood of user-induced malfunctions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent displays a history screen showing previously executed repair procedures before allowing users to perform new repairs. This preliminary action provides users with reference information about proper repair sequences and precautions, enabling them to perform a broader range of repair tasks correctly while reducing the likelihood of erroneous operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a history screen showing executed functions is displayed, then early identification of malfunctions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveearly identification of malfunctionsVSAvoidsystem complexity for history tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy of repair procedure information by displaying a history screen that records and shows previously executed functions. Instead of implementing complex monitoring systems, the patent uses a straightforward data copying approach to store and display repair histories, enabling early malfunction identification while minimizing increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20260059057A1Image processing apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 CANON KK

AI summary

An image processing apparatus receives an input of a key code, determines whether the key code is a first key code to execute a first function mode or a second key code to execute a second function mode, displays a screen related to the first function mode in a case where it is determined that the received key code is the first key code, displays a screen related to the second function mode in a case where it is determined that the received key code is the second key code, wherein a history screen including information about the first function mode having been executed is displayed.