Information Storage Device with User Confirmation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information storage devices, such as MFPs, often store documents in an undesired state, leading to unnecessary storage and difficulty in deleting unwanted Web pages, as users must decide between printing or storing documents without recognizing the state until it's too late.
Innovation Solution
An information storage device with an input unit, output unit, storage unit, storage inquiry unit, and storage control unit that allows users to judge and instruct the storage of information only in a desired state, enabling normal or reservation storage, and automatic processing of reservation data after a set time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the MFP automatically stores documents as Web pages on the hard disk without user confirmation, then the storage function is improved and documents are readily available for later retrieval, but the user may unknowingly store documents in an undesired state (e.g., poor print quality, incorrect formatting) leading to wasted storage space and unnecessary disclosure of unwanted information
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user by displaying a confirmation screen that shows the document to be stored along with storage condition information. This allows the user to review the document quality and storage parameters before confirmation, preventing unwanted information from being stored while maintaining efficient storage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary display and confirmation actions before actually storing the document. By showing the document and storage conditions in advance, the user can make an informed decision about whether to proceed with storage, avoiding the storage of undesired documents while maintaining productivity.
2Reliability
If the MFP requires user confirmation before storing each document, then the accuracy of storage decisions is improved and unwanted documents are prevented from being stored, but the operation complexity increases and users must spend additional time reviewing each document
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically gathering and displaying storage condition information and document previews in a standardized format. This reduces the cognitive load on users and makes the confirmation process simpler, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring accurate storage decisions through reliable information presentation.
3Reliability
If the MFP displays detailed storage condition information and document previews before storage confirmation, then the user can make informed storage decisions and avoid storing unwanted documents, but the time required for each storage operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The confirmation information is segmented into essential elements (document preview, storage conditions, key parameters) displayed in a structured format. This segmentation allows users to quickly scan and understand the most important information without being overwhelmed by excessive details, reducing review time while maintaining decision accuracy.
4Extent of automation
If the MFP stores all input documents by default without inquiry, then the storage function operates automatically with minimum user intervention, but the user cannot prevent storage of documents in undesired states until after they have been stored and disclosed
Solution Approach 1:
The confirmation screen acts as an intermediary between the automatic storage process and the user decision. It provides a middle ground where the system maintains automation by automatically preparing and displaying storage information, while giving the user control to approve or cancel storage based on reviewed conditions, thus preserving both automation and user control.
Data Source
AI summary
An information storage device, by which only information outputted in a state desired by a user can be stored and disclosed with minimum time and trouble of the user, is provided. After FAX transmission, the FAX image is displayed and an inquiry concerning whether to store the FAX image or not is conducted. When the user performs an operation designating registration of the FAX image in a database (i.e. when a registration command button is pressed by the user), the FAX image is registered in the database. When the user performs an operation designating discard of the FAX image (i.e. when a discard command button is pressed by the user), the FAX image is discarded. Since the user can decide whether or not to register the FAX image in the database after checking the image to be registered, registration of undesired image in the database can be prevented.