Image Forming Apparatus Mobile Input via Network Interface

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users are hesitant to perform input operations on operation panels that may have been touched by multiple individuals, leading to a demand for a technology that allows input operations without physically touching the panel, yet no existing solution meets this need.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a network interface and a touch panel that provides a mobile input function, allowing operations to be performed via a mobile terminal, and switches to a local operation screen when specific objects on the touch panel are operated, enabling both mobile and traditional input methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users perform input operations on the operation panel, then the image forming apparatus can receive input operations, but users are hesitant to touch the panel due to hygiene concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput operation capabilityVSAvoidhygiene risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile terminal as an intermediary device between the user and the image forming apparatus. The mobile terminal communicates with the apparatus via network interface, allowing users to input operations remotely without physically touching the operation panel, thus eliminating hygiene risks while maintaining input capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical touch-based input system with a network-based communication system. Instead of physical contact with the operation panel, users interact through the mobile terminal using network protocols, substituting mechanical interaction with electronic communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the image forming apparatus provides only a touch panel interface, then it can receive input operations, but it cannot accommodate users who prefer not to touch the panel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput method flexibilityVSAvoidremote operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the image forming apparatus multi-functional by implementing both local touch panel input and remote mobile terminal input capabilities. The controller manages multiple input interfaces, allowing the apparatus to adapt to different user preferences and operational contexts, enhancing overall versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus supports both mobile and local input methods, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput method optionsVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mobile terminal input function and local operation panel input function into a unified control system. The controller integrates both input interfaces and manages them through a single architecture, reducing the complexity that would arise from completely separate systems while maintaining both input methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250103260A1Image forming apparatus, computer-readable storage medium, and method for accepting input operations from mobile terminal

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to provide a mobile input function that enables the image forming apparatus to accept input operations from a mobile terminal via a network interface. After starting to provide the mobile input function, the controller sends display data to the mobile terminal via the network interface, thereby causing the mobile terminal to display an operation screen for operating the image forming apparatus from the mobile terminal. The controller displays a standby screen including a particular operable object on a touch panel when the mobile input function is not provided. When the particular operable object is operated, the controller switches the standby screen to a local operation screen. In response to accepting an operation on the local operation screen, the controller performs a process according to what kind of operation has been accepted on the local operation screen.