{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854131","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854131","title":"Image forming apparatus with personal setting synchronization and method for controlling same","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-02-16T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":10,"abstract":"Personal settings for each user and each application are stored in personal setting holding units 311 and 310. When a personal setting is to be exported, synchronous control information indicating whether or not synchronization is to be performed for each personal setting is exported. In the case where the firmware version of an apparatus that is to import the information indicates synchronization of the personal setting, the personal setting is rewritten in accordance with the synchronous control information."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Image Forming Apparatus with Personal Setting Synchronization and Method for Controlling Same patent addresses the problem of inconsistent and manually configured personal settings across various image forming devices. The core innovation lies in storing personal settings for each user and application in dedicated holding units, along with synchronous control information that dictates how these settings should be synchronized. When a device imports this information, it intelligently rewrites the settings based on its firmware version, ensuring compatibility and a consistent user experience.\n\nThis technology solves the problem of users having to repeatedly configure their preferred settings each time they switch devices or applications. By automating the synchronization process, it saves time, reduces errors, and improves overall user satisfaction. The key technical approach involves creating a system that can intelligently interpret and apply personal settings based on the specific characteristics of the importing device.\n\nThe business value of this patent is significant. It offers a competitive advantage for companies that incorporate this technology into their image forming devices. It also opens up new opportunities for personalized marketing and advertising, where devices can be tailored to specific user profiles. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for personalized and seamless user experiences continues to grow.\n\nThis innovation has the potential to transform the way we interact with image forming devices. By simplifying the process of managing personal settings, it makes printing, scanning, and other imaging tasks more efficient and enjoyable. The Image Forming Apparatus with Personal Setting Synchronization and Method for Controlling Same patent represents a valuable asset for companies looking to enhance their product offerings and gain a competitive edge in the competitive market.","layman_explanation":"The Image Forming Apparatus with Personal Setting Synchronization and Method for Controlling Same patent addresses a common frustration in today's digital world: the need to repeatedly configure personal settings across multiple image forming devices, such as printers, scanners, and copiers. This technology aims to simplify the user experience by automatically synchronizing these settings, saving time and reducing errors.\n\n1. What Problem Does This Solve? (100-150 words)\nThe core problem is the lack of a seamless way to maintain consistent settings across different image forming devices. Users often have to manually adjust settings like paper size, color preferences, and resolution each time they use a new device or application. This is time-consuming, frustrating, and can lead to inconsistent results. Existing solutions, such as manual configuration and basic profile saving, are often inadequate and require significant user effort.\n\n2. How Does It Work? (200-300 words)\nThis patent introduces a system that stores personal settings in a structured way, along with information about how these settings should be applied across different devices. Think of it like a universal translator for printer settings. When you use a new device, it checks with this system to understand your preferences. The system then automatically adjusts the device's settings to match your personal profile. It does this by using 'synchronous control information,' which tells the device how to adapt the settings based on its specific firmware and capabilities. It's like having a smart assistant that knows exactly how you like things and sets them up for you automatically.\n\n3. Why Does This Matter? (150-200 words)\nThe impact of this technology is significant. For businesses, it translates to increased productivity and reduced IT support costs. Employees can spend less time fiddling with printer settings and more time on their core tasks. For consumers, it means a more convenient and enjoyable experience. The market opportunity is vast, as the demand for personalized and seamless user experiences continues to grow. This technology offers a competitive advantage to companies that integrate it into their product offerings.\n\n4. What's Next? (50-100 words)\nFuture applications of this technology could include integration with cloud-based services, allowing users to access their personal settings from anywhere. We can also expect to see this technology expand to other types of devices, such as cameras and displays. The market adoption timeline will depend on the willingness of manufacturers to embrace this innovation and integrate it into their products. The investment implications are positive, as this technology has the potential to generate significant revenue and create new business opportunities.","technical_analysis":"The Image Forming Apparatus with Personal Setting Synchronization and Method for Controlling Same patent introduces a sophisticated system for managing and synchronizing user preferences across diverse image forming devices. At its core, the technology employs personal setting holding units to store user-specific configurations for various applications, such as printing, scanning, and copying. These units are paired with synchronous control information, which acts as metadata specifying how these settings should be applied across different devices and firmware versions. This metadata is crucial for ensuring compatibility and preventing unintended behavior.\n\nThe system's architecture includes three primary components: the personal setting holding units, the synchronous control information module, and the setting rewriting engine. The personal setting holding units function as databases for storing user preferences. The synchronous control information module generates metadata based on the device's firmware and desired synchronization behavior. Finally, the setting rewriting engine interprets this metadata and modifies the device's settings accordingly.\n\nA key technical challenge addressed by this patent is ensuring firmware compatibility. Different devices often operate on varying firmware versions, potentially leading to misinterpretation or improper application of settings. The synchronous control information module resolves this issue by providing specific instructions on how settings should be adjusted based on the firmware version of the importing device. This ensures consistent and accurate application of settings across all devices.\n\nImplementation of this technology necessitates careful consideration of data storage, network communication, and security. Efficient storage and retrieval mechanisms are vital for the personal setting holding units. The synchronous control information module must generate accurate and reliable metadata. The setting rewriting engine must be capable of interpreting this metadata and modifying settings accordingly, all while maintaining data integrity and user privacy.","business_analysis":"The Image Forming Apparatus with Personal Setting Synchronization and Method for Controlling Same patent presents a significant business opportunity within the image forming industry. The core value proposition revolves around enhancing user experience by automating the synchronization of personal settings across various devices. This translates to increased efficiency, reduced IT support costs, and improved customer satisfaction.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial. As the demand for personalized and seamless user experiences grows, the need for automated setting synchronization becomes increasingly apparent. This patent offers a competitive advantage to companies that integrate it into their product offerings, allowing them to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. The potential revenue streams include licensing the technology to other manufacturers, incorporating it into proprietary devices, and offering value-added services based on personalized settings.\n\nFrom a competitive standpoint, this patent provides a distinct advantage over existing solutions that rely on manual configuration or cumbersome centralized management systems. The automated synchronization process eliminates the need for user intervention, reducing the potential for errors and inconsistencies. Furthermore, the system's adaptability ensures compatibility across different devices and firmware versions, making it a versatile and future-proof solution.\n\nThe business models enabled by this technology are diverse. Manufacturers can offer premium devices with built-in setting synchronization capabilities, commanding higher prices and increasing profit margins. Service providers can offer subscription-based services that provide personalized settings management and support. The strategic positioning of this technology aligns with the growing trend towards personalized and seamless user experiences. The potential ROI is significant, as the benefits of increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved customer satisfaction outweigh the initial investment in implementing this technology.","faqs":null,"topics":["image forming","personal settings","synchronization","printer settings","automatic configuration","image","forming","apparatus"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Personalized Printer Settings - Image Forming Apparatus with Personal Setting Synchronization and Method for Controlling Same","description":"Discover how Image Forming Apparatus with Personal Setting Synchronization and Method for Controlling Same patent revolutionizes printer settings synchronization. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["image forming","personal settings","synchronization","printer settings","automatic configuration","patent","patent US-9854131"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854131","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854131","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Image forming apparatus with personal setting synchronization and method for controlling same\" (US-9854131). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854131","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854131","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854131","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T01:32:36.547Z"}