Image Forming Apparatus Remote Operation Display Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-function peripherals (MFPs) have complex operation screens that are difficult for users to navigate, especially for those who infrequently use them, and existing remote operation techniques do not effectively utilize the display of the printing apparatus, limiting user interaction and information dissemination.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with communication and display control mechanisms that switch operation and communication states to transmit operation screens to portable devices and display different images, allowing remote users to browse information while preventing direct operation during remote sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation screen is transmitted to the portable information device for remote operation, then the user can operate the MFP remotely, but the display of the MFP is not effectively utilized and information is not displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the display function from a single dimension (MFP display only) to multiple dimensions by simultaneously utilizing both the MFP display and the portable information device display. The MFP display shows images different from the operation screen (such as thumbnail images, preview images, or related information), while the portable device displays the full operation screen, creating a multi-dimensional information presentation that resolves the contradiction between remote operation and effective display utilization.
2Loss of information
If the MFP display shows the operation screen during remote operation, then the user can see operation information, but the user cannot browse other images or information simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of operation screen display and image browsing by transmitting the operation screen to the portable information device while simultaneously displaying different images on the MFP display. This combination allows the user to browse images and information on the MFP display while operating the device through the portable device, thereby achieving both operation information visibility and information browsing capability simultaneously.
3Loss of information
If the operation screen is displayed on the MFP, then the user can see the current operation status, but users with little experience find it difficult to learn complicated operation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the portable information device as an intermediary that provides enhanced operation guidance and interface. The portable device can display the operation screen with additional guidance information, help screens, or simplified interfaces that make complicated operations easier to learn, while the MFP display continues to show the current operation status through different images. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing multiple layers of information presentation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus including: a communication means for communicating with a portable information device; an operation accepting means for accepting an operation by a user; an operation state switching means to switch an operation state between an operating state showing a state in which a user is inputting an operation to the operation accepting means and a non-operating state that is not the operating state; a display means for displaying an image; an operation screen transmission means for, in response to a request being received from the portable information device when an operation state is being switched to the non-operating state, transmitting an operation screen corresponding to the received request to the portable information device through the communication means; and a display control means for, in response to transmission ofthe operation screen, displaying an image different from the operation screen on the display means. In response to a request being received from the portable information device when an operation state is being switched to a non-operating state in which a user is not inputting an operation, an operation screen is transmitted to the portable imformation device, and also an image different from the operation screen is displayed. Therefore, the user may browse the image different from the operation screen while remotely operating the portable information device. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of visually notifying the user remotely operating the portable information device of a lot of information.