MFP Operation Screen Distance Threshold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems face challenges in maintaining operability and smooth operation, particularly when the user is not in close proximity to the image processing device, as certain operations require the user to be nearby for execution.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device equipped with an operation screen data sender, distance estimator, and operation screen data controller, which adjusts the operation screen on a mobile terminal based on the estimated distance between the device and the terminal, enabling or disabling specific operations accordingly, ensuring that critical operations requiring proximity are only executed when the user is nearby.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation screen allows all operations when the user is far from the image processing device, then remote operability is improved, but operations requiring proximity may be executed incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The operation screen dynamically changes its functionality based on the detected distance between the mobile terminal and image processing device. When the user is far away, only distance-appropriate operations are enabled. When the user approaches within threshold distance, additional operations requiring proximity become available. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system both remotely operable and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses distance threshold parameters to control operation availability. By comparing the actual distance against predefined threshold values, the system determines which operations should be permitted. This parameter-based control ensures that operations requiring proximity are only available when the user is sufficiently close, while maintaining remote operability for appropriate functions.
2Reliability
If the operation screen restricts operations when the user is far from the image processing device, then operation reliability is improved, but remote operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operation screen is segmented into multiple functional areas or operation types. Distance-appropriate operations remain accessible remotely, while proximity-required operations are restricted or highlighted for in-person execution. This segmentation allows the system to maintain remote operability for suitable functions while ensuring reliability for operations requiring user presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance detection function acts as an intermediary that mediates between the user's location and the available operations. Based on the detected distance, the system selectively enables or disables operations, providing a smooth transition between remote and local operation modes without completely restricting remote access.
3Reliability
If the system requires user presence for all operations, then operation reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operation availability dynamically adjusts based on user proximity rather than requiring constant presence. Users can perform distance-appropriate operations remotely without needing to be physically present, improving convenience while maintaining reliability for operations that do require presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses distance threshold parameters to determine operation availability, allowing operations to be performed remotely when appropriate and requiring proximity only when necessary. This parameter-based approach balances reliability requirements with user convenience by not imposing unnecessary presence requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function peripheral as an image processing device according to the present invention is wirelessly connected with a mobile terminal having a display and is capable of accepting an operation by a user via the mobile terminal. For this, a terminal side setting screen for operating the multi-function peripheral is displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. The terminal side setting screen includes buttons for an operation requiring the user to be in the vicinity of the multi-function peripheral. These buttons are brought in a mode capable of accepting the operation, when an estimated distance between the multi-function peripheral and the mobile terminal is less than or equal to a threshold value, whereas are brought in a mode incapable of accepting the operation, when the estimated distance exceeds the threshold value.