Image Processing Apparatus Remote Keyboard Input Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses using Virtual Network Computing (VNC) struggle to seamlessly integrate character input from a remote hardware keyboard, requiring users to switch between character input and hardware key processing, which is inefficient and user-unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a display unit for a software keyboard, a reception unit for receiving signals from the information processing apparatus, a storage unit for associating signals with hardware key information, and a control unit to display characters or perform hardware key processing based on the received signals, allowing users to input characters using a software keyboard or perform hardware key operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image processing apparatus performs processing corresponding to hardware key depression when receiving a character code, then hardware key operations can be executed remotely, but character input functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes based on the current state: character input mode and hardware key operation mode. When a software keyboard is displayed, the system is in character input mode and processes character codes accordingly. When the software keyboard is not displayed, the system switches to hardware key operation mode and executes corresponding hardware key functions. This dynamic state-dependent processing resolves the contradiction by allowing both functionalities to operate in their appropriate contexts without interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image processing apparatus switches between character input processing and hardware key processing, then both functions can be supported, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by displaying or hiding the software keyboard based on the current operational context before character input or hardware key operation is needed. The display control unit proactively manages the visibility of the software keyboard to pre-establish the appropriate processing mode, eliminating the need for complex real-time switching decisions during input operations. This preliminary state management streamlines the subsequent processing flow and improves operational efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a software keyboard is displayed on the display unit, then character input is enabled, but hardware key processing is disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by creating distinct operational zones through the software keyboard's visibility state. When the software keyboard is displayed, the system is optimized for character input operations. When hidden, the system is optimized for hardware key operations. This spatial and functional segmentation allows each mode to operate with full capability in its designated context without compromise, resolving the contradiction between character input enablement and hardware key processing accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus described in the present specification includes a display unit configured to display a software keyboard, a reception unit configured to receive a signal transmitted from the information processing apparatus based on a depression of a keyboard, a storage unit configured to store the signal received by the reception unit in association with information about a hardware key provided on the image processing apparatus, and a control unit configured to display a character based on the signal received by the reception unit on the display unit in a case where the software keyboard is being displayed by the display unit, and to perform processing corresponding to a depression of the hardware key information about which is stored in the storage unit in association with the signal received by the reception unit in a case where the software keyboard is not being displayed by the display unit.