MFP Remote Control Power Saving via Local Operation Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control techniques for Multi-Functional Peripherals (MFPs) require frequent communication with information terminals, leading to increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and system that uses processor-controlled operation screens and display screens, where operation signals are generated based on positional information and screen identification, allowing for association of operation content between the two screens, reducing the need for frequent communication and enabling power-saving standby modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent communication is maintained between the information terminal and MFP for remote control, then remote control functionality is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MFP pre-generates and stores operation screen image data and operation item position information before remote control operations are needed. This allows the information terminal to receive and display complete operation screens locally without requiring continuous communication with the MFP during operation, thus ensuring reliable remote control while minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The information terminal creates a local copy of the operation screen by receiving image data from the MFP and displaying it on its own display device. Operation items are identified through image recognition or coordinate mapping, allowing the terminal to function as a standalone remote control interface without maintaining continuous communication with the MFP.
2Ease of operation
If operation screens are continuously displayed on the MFP for remote control, then operation visibility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation screen display function is extracted from the MFP and transferred to the information terminal. The MFP only sends necessary image data and operation item information to the terminal, which then handles all display operations. This allows the MFP to turn off its display during remote control operations, eliminating display-related power consumption while maintaining full operation visibility on the terminal.
3Speed
If the MFP maintains communication readiness for remote control operations, then response speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining continuous communication readiness, the system uses periodic or event-driven communication. The MFP communicates with the information terminal only when necessary - initially to send operation screen image data and operation item position information, and subsequently only when operation results need to be transmitted. This intermittent communication approach maintains fast response when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus controls a display of an operation screen, receives an operation signal corresponding to first operation content through the operation screen, and performs a process based on the operation signal. The operation signal is generated based on second operation content through a display screen of imaging data which is imaged of the operation screen. The second operation content has operation item positional information and screen identification information. When performing the process, the first operation content is associated with the second operation content based on the operation item positional information and the screen identification information.