Remote-Controlled MFP Notification System for Hidden Screen Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems that remotely control image processing apparatuses, such as MFPs, face challenges in notifying secondary users of events like system errors or paper shortages without revealing the operation screen, which is typically hidden for security reasons.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that displays notification information on the operation screen of an image processing apparatus, even when it is in a hidden state due to remote control, allowing secondary users to address issues like system errors or paper shortages while maintaining screen restrictions, and automatically releasing these restrictions based on pre-set ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operation screen is hidden during remote control to maintain security, then information security is improved, but the ability to notify local users of critical events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system is segmented into multiple display targets: the remote terminal receives detailed event information while the local operation screen displays simplified notification messages. This segmentation allows security-conscious remote viewing while enabling local awareness of critical events through the notification message display function.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation screen acts as an intermediary device between the image processing apparatus and local users. Even when hidden due to remote control, it can selectively display notification messages about critical events, serving as a mediator that communicates essential information without revealing the full operation screen content to remote users.
2Reliability
If the operation screen remains hidden to protect privacy, then security is maintained, but the ability for local users to respond to issues like paper shortages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The notification message display function dynamically activates based on event detection. When critical events occur (paper shortages, errors), the system automatically displays notification messages on the operation screen even during remote control, enabling local users to respond while maintaining privacy for normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects critical events and triggers notification message display without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures that local users are promptly informed of issues needing attention while the operation screen remains hidden, balancing privacy protection with operational responsiveness.
3Loss of information
If notification messages are displayed on the hidden operation screen, then event communication to local users is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different display modes are applied to different contexts: full screen hiding for normal remote operations, and selective notification message display for critical events. This local quality approach optimizes both security and communication efficiency without requiring complex system-wide changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the display parameter from completely hidden to partially visible (notification messages only) based on event conditions. This parameter change enables efficient event communication while maintaining simplicity in the control logic through condition-based display state transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system includes: one or multiple processors configured to, upon a determination that an event which has occurred in an image processing apparatus with an operation screen in a hidden state due to remote control is to be notified to a second user to whom the operation screen is visible, display, on the operation screen, notification information including a message indicating that the event has occurred, the remote control being in operation via a terminal by a first user.