Contactless Image Processing via Terminal Remote Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to reduce direct contact with operation screens of multifunction peripherals to minimize the risk of infection, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device and system that allows jobs to be executed without direct contact with the operation screen, by using a controller to display device information on a terminal device, and based on setting information sent from the terminal device, control a job executor to output the job at a predetermined setting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a touch panel display is used for operation input, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of infection increases due to high frequency contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidrisk of infection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operation input function is extracted from the shared multifunction peripheral and transferred to the user's personal terminal device. The terminal device displays device information including a unique identifier, and the user inputs operations remotely through their own device, eliminating the need to physically contact the shared device's operation screen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A communication system acts as an intermediary between the user's terminal device and the shared multifunction peripheral. The system transmits operation inputs from the terminal device to the peripheral and delivers output results back to the terminal device, enabling contactless operation while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual input to operation screen is required, then device functionality is maintained, but productivity decreases due to contact requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidjob execution efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical interaction between user finger and touch panel is replaced with wireless electronic communication. Operation inputs are transmitted as electronic signals from the terminal device to the multifunction peripheral, eliminating the need for physical contact while preserving all device functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains compatibility with multiple operation methods. Users can choose to operate either through direct contact with the peripheral's touch panel or through contactless remote operation via terminal device, providing universal access and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250175565A1Image processing device, output system, terminal device, and output method

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 SHARP KK

AI summary

An image processing device includes a controller, a device information generator that generates device information including identification information of the image processing device, and a job executor that executes a job at a predetermined setting based on setting information for job execution sent from a terminal device, wherein the controller displays the generated device information on the terminal device and, based on the setting information for job execution sent from the terminal device that read the displayed device information, controls the job executor to output the job at the predetermined setting.