MFP Substitute Operation Screen for Network Disconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for Multi Function Peripherals (MFPs) fail to enable essential functions like copying when disconnected from a Web server due to network or communication errors, as they rely solely on Web server connectivity for operation screens, leading to error messages and service disruptions.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that includes request and display control means to request operation screen data from a Web server and display a substitute operation screen when normal communication is disrupted, allowing users to access image processing functions offline by utilizing a substitute function list and error content generation module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If operation screens are handled entirely by Web browser and Web server, then menu customization and remote management are improved, but functionality becomes unavailable when network connection is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote management capabilityVSAvoidfunctionality availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent stores operation screen data locally in the MFP's memory before network disconnection occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when network connection is disrupted, the MFP can still display and operate using previously cached screen data, thereby maintaining functionality availability while enabling remote management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If MFP relies on Web server for all operation screens, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of function occurs during communication errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidoperation screen availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a local cache memory as an intermediary between the Web server and the display. This intermediary stores operation screen data locally, allowing the MFP to access screens through the cache when network connection fails, thus preventing loss of operation screen availability while maintaining a relatively simple system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If error message is displayed when connection fails, then user is notified of problem, but user cannot continue using MFP functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser feedbackVSAvoidfunction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of network connection failure into a beneficial situation by displaying cached operation screen data when connection is disrupted. Instead of showing only error messages, the system continues to provide functional access to MFP operations using previously stored screen data, thereby maintaining productivity while informing users of the connection status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP2507985B1Image processing apparatus and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2019.02.20 CANON KK

Figure 1A~1B
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Figure 2B

AI summary

When operation screen data sent from a Web server can be received, an image processing apparatus displays an operation screen based on the operation screen data on an operation unit. On the other hand, when operation screen data cannot be received due to a communication error, the image processing apparatus displays a substitute operation screen that allows it use of at least one of its image processing functions on the operation unit.