Information Processing Apparatus for Replacement Part Logistics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for replacing parts in apparatuses only provide information about the model number of replacement parts, which limits the ability to determine transportation and storage needs, and reduces convenience for maintenance and installation, as they do not provide sufficient details such as weight, size, or installation time.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and medium that specify and output information related to the form, weight, and installation of replacement parts, including their size, packing style, ease of transportation, and required installation time, to facilitate more informed decisions during replacement processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If only model number information of replacement parts is output, then the information system remains simple, but the convenience for transportation and installation decisions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience for replacement part transportation and installationVSAvoidlack of materials for various determinations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The information output is segmented into multiple categories including form information (size, shape, packaging), weight information, and installation information (time, skill level, tools). This segmentation allows users to access only the specific information needed for their current decision-making process, improving convenience without overwhelming the system with unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds multiple dimensions to the information output beyond the traditional model number. By incorporating form, weight, and installation dimensions, the system provides comprehensive data that enables better transportation and installation decisions without increasing system complexity in a linear fashion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If detailed information about replacement parts is provided, then the accuracy of transportation and installation planning is improved, but the complexity of the information system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of replacement part transportation and installation planningVSAvoidcomplexity of information processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information system is divided into distinct modules that handle different types of information (form, weight, installation). Each module can be independently managed and processed, which reduces the overall system complexity while providing comprehensive detailed information for accurate planning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an information processing apparatus that acts as an intermediary between the replacement part database and the user. This intermediary selectively outputs only the relevant information needed for transportation and installation decisions, providing measurement precision without exposing the full complexity of the underlying information system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of replacement part information are output, then the usefulness for replacement decisions is enhanced, but the amount of information to be processed increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusefulness for various replacement decisionsVSAvoidtime required to process and evaluate replacement information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The information output is tailored to the specific needs of different users and situations. For example, transportation-related information (form, weight) is emphasized for logistics personnel, while installation-related information (time, skill level) is highlighted for technicians. This local quality approach enhances versatility without requiring all users to process all information types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system outputs information that is partially sufficient for each specific decision-making context rather than providing complete information for all possible scenarios. This allows users to make timely decisions with the most relevant information without being overwhelmed by excessive data that would increase processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240179250A1Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program
Publication Date: 2024.05.30 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US20240179250A1 patent drawing
  • US20240179250A1 patent drawing
  • US20240179250A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: specify replacement parts that are installable in an apparatus in place of some of parts constituting the apparatus; and output one or more of information related to a form of the specified replacement part, information related to a weight of the specified replacement part, and information related to installation of the specified replacement part in the apparatus.