Image Forming Apparatus USB Port Notification Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of sufficient disclosure in existing image forming apparatus configurations regarding the use of multiple ports for removable portable memory and distinguishing between specific data storage USB devices, leading to user-friendliness issues.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus is designed with a housing featuring a front and rear section, including two USB ports where one is positioned at the front for easy visibility and the other at the rear, with a controller that displays notification screens to differentiate between specific USB devices and manage storage destinations for print data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple USB ports are provided for portable memory attachment, then the adaptability and storage capacity are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring which port contains specific data type increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoiddevice identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The controller provides feedback by detecting the USB device type through identification information and displaying notification screens that inform the user which port contains the particular type of data storage device. This feedback mechanism resolves the difficulty of detecting and measuring device types across multiple ports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The notification screen acts as an intermediary between the controller and the user, translating the detected USB device type into visible information that guides the user to the correct port. This intermediary solves the detection difficulty by presenting processed information in an understandable format.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If notification screens are displayed to distinguish USB devices, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice differentiationVSAvoiddisplay energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The notification screen is displayed periodically or conditionally - specifically when a USB device is attached or when the controller needs to inform the user about device type. This periodic display approach reduces continuous energy consumption while still providing necessary user guidance for device differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20240348735A1Image forming apparatus having ports to which USB device is attachable

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a housing having a front section and a rear section, a user interface including a display and disposed at the front section and not at the rear section, a first port disposed at the front section within which the display is completely included, and a second port disposed at the rear section. The front and rear sections are defined by imaginarily dividing the housing in half and located opposite to each other in a front-rear direction. When a second USB device that is not a particular USB device is attached to the second port for a first USB device that is the particular USB device, cause the user interface to display a notification screen corresponding to that the second USB device is attached to the second port.