Time Zone Setting Restoration in Multifunction Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multifunctional devices, such as printers, face user confusion when software upgrades delete previously set time zone settings, and users are left without a set time zone, especially if the device is not connected to a network, as existing methods cannot reset the time zone effectively.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a detection unit that identifies deleted time setting values and a setting unit that generates a new option with the same time difference but without a regional name, allowing the apparatus to set it as a new value, ensuring continuity of time-related operations post-upgrade.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software is upgraded to follow worldwide standards, then the device can comply with current time zone standards, but previously set time zone values are deleted causing user confusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompliance with current time zone standardsVSAvoiddeletion of previously set time zone values

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of deleted time zone setting values before the upgrade process completes, and automatically executes restoration of appropriate time zone settings based on detected patterns or historical data, preventing user confusion while maintaining standards compliance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism that monitors time zone setting changes during software upgrades, detects when settings are deleted, and automatically triggers restoration procedures that preserve user preferences while adapting to new standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If automatic time zone setting is implemented using network-based position information, then user labor is reduced, but the device cannot reset time zone when not connected to a network

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of user labor for time zone settingVSAvoidinability to reset time zone without network connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service time zone resetting by detecting deleted time zone settings and automatically restoring appropriate settings using internal detection capabilities, eliminating the need for network connection or manual user intervention while maintaining operational reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If time zone setting is manually reset by user, then the time zone can be corrected, but user confusion increases due to unexpected resetting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection of time zone settingVSAvoiduser confusion from unexpected resetting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic detection and restoration of time zone settings without requiring manual user intervention, making the correction process transparent and eliminating user confusion while ensuring reliable time zone maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12133014B2Information processing apparatus, control method for information processing apparatus, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect that a setting value related to a time has been deleted, and a setting unit configured, in a case where deletion of a setting value related to a time has been detected by the detection unit, to newly generate an option corresponding to the deleted setting value and to set the option as a new setting value related to the time.