MFP Display Control for Remote Operation Screen Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-function peripherals (MFPs) have complex operation procedures that deter less frequent users, and existing remote control technologies for MFPs via portable devices do not effectively utilize the MFP's display for operation, leading to inefficient user experience.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that employs a server-client architecture, allowing MFPs to be remotely controlled by portable information devices, where the system includes a display control method that synchronizes the operation screen and additional information on the MFP's display with the portable device's screen, enabling simultaneous viewing of operation screens and helper or advertisement images without the need for user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote control operation is implemented using portable information devices, then ease of operation is improved, but the display on the MFP becomes unused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operation screen display function into the MFP's display device. The display control unit integrates the operation screen transmitted from the portable device with additional information (helper images, advertisement images, or status displays) to create a unified display output, ensuring the MFP's display is actively utilized during remote control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFP's display device is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as the operation screen display and as a display for additional information such as helper images, advertisement images, and status indicators. This allows the display to fulfill multiple purposes simultaneously during remote control operations.
2Ease of operation
If operation screens are transmitted to portable devices for remote control, then ease of operation is improved, but information display effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by displaying additional information (helper images, advertisement images, status) on the MFP's display device while in remote control mode. This provides visual feedback to users about the current operation state and available functions, enhancing information effectiveness without interfering with the remote control operation screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the display by layering additional information over or alongside the operation screen on the MFP's display device. This dimensional expansion allows the display to present both the operation interface and supplementary information simultaneously, improving overall information effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex operation procedures are provided for MFP functions, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts complex operation procedures from the MFP's local interface and relocates them to the portable information device. The operation screen containing detailed menu items and control options is transmitted to the portable device, where users with greater operational familiarity can more easily navigate the complex functions without requiring extensive training on the MFP's specific interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable information device serves as an intermediary between the user and the MFP's complex operation system. It provides a familiar interface for users while maintaining connectivity with the MFP, allowing users to access complex functions through a more user-friendly platform they are already comfortable with.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (100) includes a communication portion to communicate with a portable information device (200), an operation accepting portion into which an operation by a user is inputted, a display portion to display an image, an operation screen transmission portion to transmit, in response to a request being received from the portable information device, an operation screen corresponding to the request received among a plurality of operation screens for accepting an operation to the portable information device via the communication portion, and a display control portion to display at the display portion in response to transmission of the operation screen an operation unnecessary image which does not require the user to input an operation into the operation accepting portion.