Remote MFP Operation Screen State Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming system for remote operation of MFPs lacks operability as the operator's display screen does not reflect the actual state changes of the hardware operating members, leading to mismatched information and reduced usability during remote assistance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detection system in the image forming apparatus to transmit screen control information to a remote operation apparatus, which displays a simulated image that updates in real-time to reflect the state changes of hardware operating members, ensuring the operator's screen accurately represents the user's device state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the remote operation apparatus displays fixed operation screen contents, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operability deteriorates because the operator cannot see real-time state changes of hardware operating members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by detecting state changes of hardware operating members (push buttons, switches, dials) through detection parts and transmitting this information to the remote operation apparatus. The operation screen dynamically updates to reflect current device states, allowing operators to see real-time changes and provide accurate guidance, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified display and operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the physical operation panel on the remote operation apparatus display. The simulated operation screen replicates the layout and state of hardware operating members, providing operators with a virtual representation of the actual device state without adding physical complexity to the remote apparatus itself.
2Loss of information
If the operation screen content is fixed, then the manufacturing precision requirement is reduced, but the loss of information increases as hardware state changes are not reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors hardware operating member states through detection parts and feeds this information back to the operation screen. This ensures the displayed information accurately reflects the current device state, preventing information loss while managing display precision requirements through software-based dynamic updating rather than fixed high-precision manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system comprises an image forming apparatus and a remote operation apparatus. The image forming apparatus comprises a detection part for detecting a state change of a hardware operating member in an operation part of the image forming apparatus and a transmitting part for transmitting screen control information in accordance with the state change detected by the detection part to the remote operation apparatus. The remote operation apparatus comprises a display part for displaying a simulated image representing the detection part of the image forming apparatus, a receiving part for receiving the screen control information, and a display control part for changing a first image which is the simulated image displayed on the display part before the state change into a second image which is the simulated image in which the state change is reflected, in response to a receipt of the screen control information.