Audio-Based Operation System for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses cannot be operated using smart speakers, limiting their interaction and operability with audio-based systems.
Innovation Solution
An audio-based operation system that includes an audio input-output device, a server, and an image forming apparatus, where the server receives and converts audio-based operations into job instructions interpretable by the image forming apparatus, enabling remote operation through a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If image forming apparatuses are operated manually using graphical user interfaces, then the apparatuses can be controlled with precise visual feedback, but the operability and interaction capability with audio-based systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives audio-based operations from smart speakers, converts them into job instructions, and transmits them to the image forming apparatus. This mediator enables communication between the audio-based operation system and the image forming apparatus, allowing voice commands to control the apparatus without requiring direct integration or modifying the apparatus itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart speakers are used for audio-based operations, then the user interaction and remote operation capability is enhanced, but the ability to execute specific apparatus commands is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a translation intermediary that converts audio-based operations into apparatus-specific job instructions. The server receives generic audio commands from smart speakers, interprets them, and generates the specific control signals required by the image forming apparatus, thereby bridging the gap between audio-based input and apparatus-specific command execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter form of the operation data from audio-based operation information to job instructions. The server transforms the nature of the data being transmitted, converting it from a format suitable for audio processing into a format that the image forming apparatus can directly execute, enabling compatibility between different system types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If image forming apparatuses are integrated with audio-based operation systems, then the user interaction is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the server as an intermediary, the patent avoids the need to modify the image forming apparatus itself. The server handles all the complexity of audio processing, command interpretation, and protocol conversion, while the apparatus remains relatively simple and unchanged. This distribution of complexity resolves the contradiction by isolating the complex functionality in a separate component.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio-based operation system includes an audio input-output device that receives an audio-based operation performed by a user, a server that receives an instruction corresponding the audio-based operation received by the audio input-output device, an image forming apparatus that executes a job transmitted from the server. The server includes circuitry configured to receive audio-based operation information indicating the audio-based operation received by the audio input-output device, convert the received audio-based operation information into a job interpretable by the image forming apparatus, and instruct the image forming apparatus to execute the job converted from the audio-based operation information.