Coordinated Operation Shortcut for Image Processing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing communication systems, users face cumbersome operations when multiple UI instructions are involved in coordinated operations between image processing apparatuses and servers, requiring repetitive input of similar information for each unit operation.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising a mobile terminal device, an image processing apparatus, and a server, where the image processing apparatus executes coordinated operations by receiving operation definition information from the server, determining instruction types, and using near-field communication to simplify user interactions and omit repetitive unit operations through shortcut information exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the image processing apparatus sequentially performs multiple unit operations according to definition information from the server, then the coordinated operation can be completed, but the user needs to perform troublesome user operations for each UI instruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining multiple unit operations in a coordinated operation sequence. The server sends operation definition information that includes multiple unit operations (UI instructions and functional operation instructions) that will be executed sequentially, so the user only needs to trigger the coordinated operation once rather than performing each step manually
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that manages the coordinated operation workflow. It sends operation definition information containing multiple unit operations to the image processing apparatus, which then executes them sequentially. This intermediary mechanism automates the multi-step process while reducing direct user intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system requires users to input information for each unit operation, then each operation can be customized, but repetitive input increases operation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple unit operations with their respective parameters in the operation definition information sent from the server. Each unit operation (UI instruction or functional operation) is defined in advance with its options and settings, eliminating the need for repetitive user input during execution
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple unit operations into a single coordinated operation package. Instead of requiring separate user input for each operation, the server combines multiple UI instructions and functional operation instructions into one operation definition information set that the image processing apparatus executes sequentially as a unified workflow
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system including an image processing apparatus configured to receive N-th operation definition information from a server, when the N-th operation definition information includes an option selecting instruction, set a user interface to be allowed to accept an option selecting operation, and transmit to the server, next-operation request information being for requesting the server to transmit (N+1)th operation definition information, when the N-th operation definition information includes an operation instruction, control an image processor to perform an operation as instructed by the operation instruction, set an apparatus-side network interface to be allowed to receive from a mobile terminal device, shortcut information indicating that a coordinated operation is started from an M-th unit operation of the plurality of unit operations, and when receiving the shortcut information from the mobile terminal device via the apparatus-side network interface, transmit the shortcut information to the server via the apparatus-side network interface.