AR Device Function Identification Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current information processing systems lack efficient methods for dynamically controlling and displaying the functions of individual devices and cooperative functions among multiple devices, especially in image forming systems, which hinders seamless integration and utilization of device capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and medium that utilize a controller to identify and display functions of single devices and cooperative functions among multiple devices through communication, employing augmented reality technologies for device identification and a server to manage and specify available functions, enabling users to execute specific functions by photographing devices and accessing their capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices are photographed to display cooperative functions, then the system can provide integrated multi-device capabilities, but the complexity of identifying and managing device combinations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooperative function displayVSAvoiddevice identification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex task of identifying multiple devices by processing each device independently through photographing. Each device is identified separately using image recognition, and then the system combines these individual identifications to determine cooperative functions, breaking down the complex multi-device identification into manageable single-device steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives photographs of multiple devices, identifies each device individually, and then determines the cooperative functions based on the combination of identified devices. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by handling device identification and function determination as separate processing stages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If single device functions are displayed when one device is photographed, then the interface remains simple and focused, but the system cannot utilize cooperative functions between multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction display simplicityVSAvoidcooperative function utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the displayed functions based on the number of devices photographed. When one device is photographed, it displays single-device functions for simplicity. When multiple devices are photographed, it automatically switches to displaying cooperative functions, making the interface behavior flexible and context-dependent rather than static

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If the system automatically identifies devices through photographing, then user interaction is minimized, but the reliability of accurate device identification decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic device identificationVSAvoiddevice identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the photographing and identification process can be repeated or corrected. The system provides feedback on the identified devices, allowing users to verify or re-photograph if the identification is incorrect, thus maintaining high automation while ensuring identification reliability through iterative verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10567608B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a controller. The controller controls display of a function of one device if the one device is photographed and controls display of a cooperative function that uses functions of plural devices if the plural devices are photographed.