Remote Control Device for MFPs with State Change Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for image forming apparatuses face challenges in continuous operation when state changes occur, leading to user inconvenience due to disrupted communication and the need for alternative devices, which can impair user experience and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that continuously monitor communication with an image forming apparatus, generate alternative screens based on screen information, and store parameters during state changes, allowing for seamless recovery and uninterrupted operation by displaying simplified screens and managing communication thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote control is implemented using screen information transmission, then user can operate image forming apparatus remotely, but communication disruption occurs when state change happens in the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The control device predicts state changes that may occur in the image forming apparatus before they actually happen. By analyzing the apparatus state and predicting future states, the control device proactively prepares alternative screens and instructions, ensuring continuous operation even when communication is disrupted. This preliminary action prevents the communication disruption from affecting remote operation capability.
2Reliability
If alternative device is used when failure occurs, then continuous control is possible, but user convenience deteriorates due to sudden environment change
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of switching to a different alternative device, the control device creates a copy of the original operation interface by generating alternative screens based on predicted state changes. These alternative screens replicate the familiar operation environment, allowing users to continue operating the apparatus remotely without noticing any disruption. The copied interface maintains user convenience while ensuring continuous control capability.
3Loss of energy
If simple screen is displayed during state change, then communication load is reduced, but operation functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically generates alternative screens that adapt to the predicted state of the image forming apparatus. Rather than displaying a static simple screen, the system creates customized alternative interfaces that maintain necessary operation functionality while being optimized for the current communication conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the screen to provide full operational capability during state changes without excessive communication load.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal device as a control device is provided with a CPU including: an obtaining unit for obtaining screen information from an MFP; a first display unit for displaying an operation screen based on the screen information; a first transmission unit for transmitting, to the MFP, position information based on a user's instruction to the operation screen; a determination unit for determining whether a state change influencing communication with MFP occurs or not; a second display unit for displaying an alternative screen generated based on the screen information; a storage unit for storing a parameter based on a user's instruction to the alternative screen; and a second transmission unit for transmitting the stored parameter to the MFP.