Integrated Setting Management for Image Forming Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an effective system and method to manage setting information across a configuration that includes both a main body unit and an operation unit in image forming devices, where the same settings can be applied to multiple devices and transferred during device replacement.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system and method where the operation unit integrates and transmits first setting information to the main body unit, which then integrates and outputs second setting information, enabling effective management and transfer of setting information between the units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If setting information is managed separately in the operation unit and main body unit, then each unit can independently manage its settings, but it becomes difficult to integrate and transfer settings between units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting integration capabilityVSAvoidsetting management structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges setting information from the operation unit and main body unit into a single integrated setting file. The setting management unit combines settings from both units, allowing them to be transferred together as one package, thus resolving the contradiction between independent management and integration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The setting management unit is designed to handle multiple types of setting information from different sources (operation unit and main body unit) through a universal interface. It can integrate various setting formats and transfer them collectively, providing multi-functional capability that resolves the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If setting information is transferred between devices, then consistency across multiple devices is improved, but the process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting consistencyVSAvoidtransfer process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary integration of setting information from both the operation unit and main body unit into a unified setting file before transfer. This preliminary consolidation ensures that all settings are prepared and consistent before being transferred to another device, simplifying the transfer process while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the integrated setting information in a standardized format that can be transferred between devices. This copying mechanism ensures consistency across devices while keeping the transfer process simple, as the standardized copy can be directly applied without complex conversion procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If all setting information is integrated into one file, then transfer efficiency is improved, but management of specific unit settings becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidsetting management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

While integrating settings into one file for efficient transfer, the patent maintains segmentation by allowing the setting management unit to separately identify and manage settings from the operation unit and main body unit. This segmented management within integration enables both efficient transfer and easy specific setting control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The setting management unit acts as an intermediary that maintains the integrated setting file while providing interfaces for managing specific unit settings. It mediates between the unified file structure and the need for individual setting control, allowing users to manage specific settings without compromising transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9930200B2System and method for exporting and importing setting information

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An information processing system includes: an operation unit that receives an operational input; and an main body unit that operates depending on the operational input, wherein, the operation unit includes a first setting manager that transmits, to the main body unit, first setting information in which setting information of at least one operation unit application which is an application working in the operation unit is integrated and the main body unit includes a second setting manager that outputs second setting information in which setting information of at least one main body unit application which is an application working in the main body unit and the first setting information is integrated.