Information Transmitting Device Mode Switching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information processing devices, such as personal computers with fax and mail transmitting functions, can inadvertently transmit files with incorrect settings due to failure in switching back to normal mode after a transmission, leading to unintended transmission settings for subsequent files.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a receiving unit, transmitting unit, identification information obtaining units, and a determining unit to switch between UI less and normal modes based on identification information associated with each transmitting process, ensuring accurate transmission settings are used for each file.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the application for transmitting operates in UI less mode to automatically transmit files without displaying setting screens, then transmission efficiency is improved, but the risk of erroneous transmission with incorrect settings increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the setting application notifies the application for transmitting of the UI less mode state. The application for transmitting then compares identification information (such as file names or transmission settings) to detect inconsistencies between the intended transmission and the automatic mode settings. When a mismatch is detected, the system provides feedback to switch back to normal mode, allowing user review before transmission proceeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary comparison mechanism that acts as a mediator between the automatic transmission process and the user-intended settings. This intermediary function compares the transmission settings in UI less mode with the actual file to be transmitted, and if they don't match, it triggers a mode switch to normal operation. This intermediary layer prevents direct erroneous transmission while maintaining the efficiency benefits of automatic mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If the application for transmitting maintains UI less mode after the setting application terminates, then automated transmission continues without user intervention, but transmission settings may become inconsistent with user intent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsettings consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the setting application notify the application for transmitting of the UI less mode state before actually terminating. This advance notification allows the application for transmitting to prepare for potential mode switching. The system performs the comparison of identification information and switches to normal mode proactively before any erroneous transmission can occur, rather than waiting for the problem to manifest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The application for transmitting performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own mode state and comparing transmission settings against current files. When it detects that it's operating in UI less mode with potentially inconsistent settings, it autonomously switches to normal mode without requiring external intervention. This self-monitoring and self-correction mechanism maintains automation while ensuring settings consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the application for transmitting uses registered transmission settings from the setting application, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to detect and correct erroneous settings deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidsettings verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical verification (user reviewing settings before each transmission) with an automated information processing system. The application for transmitting automatically compares identification information such as file names, transmission destinations, and settings parameters. This substitution maintains operation simplicity while adding automated detection capability, as the system performs verification through data comparison rather than requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10063717B2Information transmitting device, information transmitting method, and information transmitting program

Publication Date: 2018.08.28 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An information transmitting device includes: a receiving unit configured to receive setting of a first mode or a second mode as a transmitting mode; a transmitting unit configured to transmit the data in the transmitting mode the setting of which is received; a first obtaining unit configured to obtain identification information associated with a process by an application for setting; a storage unit configured to store the obtained identification information; a second obtaining unit configured to obtain the identification information regarding the transmitting process of the data when the first mode is set; a determining unit configured to determine whether the identification information stored in the storage unit is identical to the identification information obtained by the second obtaining unit; and a switching unit configured to switch the transmitting mode to the second mode when it is determined that the pieces of identification information are not identical to each other.