Voice-Controlled Printer Parameter Adjustment via Smart Speaker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in allowing users to adjust setting parameters via voice instructions, leading to unintended image formation results due to a lack of understanding between parameter values and desired outcomes, and they only collect user operation data limited to the operation screen, failing to capture broader user preferences.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that recognizes voice inputs from a smart speaker to determine and adjust image forming apparatus settings, generating commands to change setting parameters based on user dissatisfaction or requests, and logs user preferences by associating voice content with setting information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice input is used to directly designate setting parameter values, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates because users cannot understand the relation between parameter values and image formation results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (image formation result prediction unit and parameter determination unit) that translates user-friendly voice descriptions into appropriate setting parameter values. The user describes desired image characteristics in natural language, and the system automatically determines the corresponding technical parameters, acting as a mediator between user intent and machine settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical interface where users directly manipulate parameter values with an acoustic interface (voice recognition). Users speak their desired image characteristics, and the system converts these voice inputs into the appropriate setting parameters, substituting the manual parameter-setting mechanism with a voice-based control system.
2Device complexity
If only operation screen data is collected as logs, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases because user tastes and desires beyond the operation screen cannot be collected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the log collection system universal by enabling it to capture multiple types of user feedback through a single voice interface. The system collects not only operational data from the screen but also user preferences, dissatisfaction reasons, and desired image characteristics expressed through voice, making the logging mechanism multi-functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where user voice inputs about image formation results are collected and stored as logs. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from user preferences and dissatisfaction, storing this information for future use in improving image formation accuracy and personalizing user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
An application server recognizes a content of voice input to a smart speaker connected via a network interface. In a case where the recognized content of voice is a content indicative of a user's dissatisfaction or request for an image formed by a printer, the application server executes processing for determining an item of a setting parameter and a value thereof to be changed in the printer, based on the recognized content of voice, generates a command including the determined item and value of the setting parameter, and transmits the generated command to the printer.