Mobile Device Workflow Controller for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack the ability to seamlessly integrate with mobile devices for combined workflow processing, limiting the functionality and efficiency of tasks such as scanning, editing, and printing across different devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables a mobile device to select and execute workflows combining functions from both an image forming apparatus and the mobile device, allowing for sequential execution of tasks like scanning, editing, and printing, with the mobile device acting as a controller to manage the workflow by interlocking with applications on both devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If image forming apparatuses use their own UIs for control, then device functionality is maintained, but user convenience and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need to carry and operate multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a UI controller for the image forming apparatus, a document scanner, an editing station, and a transmission device. This multi-functionality allows users to perform complete workflow tasks using primarily their mobile device, improving convenience while the system manages the complexity of integration in the background
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming apparatus serves as an intermediary device that bridges the mobile device and the document processing workflow. It receives control commands from the mobile device UI, performs scanning operations, and transfers documents to the mobile device for further processing, thereby mediating between the user's mobile device and the physical document handling tasks
2Adaptability or versatility
If image forming apparatuses perform all functions locally, then device independence is maintained, but functionality and versatility worsen due to inability to perform tasks requiring mobile device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The document processing workflow is segmented into distinct functional stages: scanning (performed by image forming apparatus), editing (performed by mobile device), and transmission (performed by mobile device). This segmentation allows each device to perform only the tasks it is best suited for, increasing overall versatility while managing complexity through clear task division
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns tasks between the image forming apparatus and mobile device based on workflow requirements. The mobile device can act as a controller, scanner, editor, or transmitter depending on the specific workflow configuration, making the system adaptable to different functional needs while maintaining manageable integration complexity through flexible role assignment
3Ease of operation
If mobile devices control image forming apparatuses directly, then ease of operation improves, but reliability worsens due to potential communication and coordination issues between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the image forming apparatus reports status and completion information back to the mobile device controller. This feedback loop allows the mobile device to monitor workflow progress, handle errors appropriately, and maintain reliable coordination between devices while preserving ease of operation through centralized mobile device control
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of processing a workflow that cannot be solely processed by an image forming apparatus, by using a resource of a mobile device in which a “bring your own device” (BYOD) application is installed, and a mobile device for performing the method.