Operation Panel Displaying Conference Data from Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses do not effectively inform non-participants about conferences held near them, leading to low participation due to lack of awareness about conference details and types, as information is not readily accessible or displayed in a user-friendly manner.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with an input unit, image forming unit, operation panel, display control unit, and conference information obtaining unit that displays conference information from a conference management server, allowing users to access details of nearby conferences on the operation panel, prioritizing information based on user correlation and original data content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conference information is displayed using digital signage or posted at locations people pass, then the information becomes publicly accessible, but people still do not actively read or participate because they must consciously seek out the information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconference information accessibilityVSAvoidinformation reading effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operation panel automatically obtains and displays conference information without requiring users to actively search for it. The system serves itself by fetching data from the conference management server and presenting it in the user's field of view during normal operations, making the information discovery process passive and effortless.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the conference information display function with the existing operation panel used for image forming operations. By combining these functions in one interface, the system leverages the user's existing interaction routine to deliver additional information without requiring separate actions or attention shifts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of time

If conference information is displayed on the operation panel during image forming operations, then users can access information without leaving their current task, but the display may interfere with the primary operation interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to access conference informationVSAvoidoperation panel interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by displaying conference information in a specific region or overlay on the operation panel that does not interfere with the primary image forming controls. The information is localized in a way that allows users to glance at it without affecting their ability to perform printing, copying, or scanning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The display dynamically adjusts based on the user's current operation state. Conference information is displayed during idle moments or in peripheral areas of the interface, and can be dismissed or minimized when the user needs full access to operation controls. The system adapts the information presentation to the operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the image forming apparatus proactively displays conference information, then user awareness of conferences increases, but the apparatus performs additional functions beyond its primary purpose

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconference participation rateVSAvoidapparatus function scope

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The operation panel is designed as a universal interface that handles both image forming operations and information display functions. By making the panel multi-functional, the system can serve diverse purposes without requiring separate devices, leveraging the existing display and processing capabilities for conference information presentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conference management server as an intermediary that handles the complexity of conference data management, while the image forming apparatus simply displays the information. This mediator approach allows the apparatus to provide conference services without needing to manage conference logistics, maintaining a clear division of responsibilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10498910B2Image forming apparatus for displaying conference information, non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, conference system and method for controlling conference system

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

Disclosed is an image forming apparatus, including: an input unit that inputs an original data; an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet in accordance with the original data; an operation panel that comprises a display unit and an operating unit and that receives an operation for entering a job for forming the image on the recording sheet by using the image forming unit; a display control unit that displays one or more types of window on the display unit of the operation panel; and a conference information obtaining unit that obtains conference information of a conference held in a conference room which is placed near the image forming apparatus, from a predetermined conference management server that manages the conference information of the conference, wherein the display control unit displays the conference information on the display unit from the conference management server.