Operation Unit Application Synchronization in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in synchronizing applications displayed on the operation unit with currently active applications on the main body unit, leading to improper display of stop screens when attempting to stop processing jobs.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an operation unit and a main body unit, each equipped with separate operating systems, includes a synchronization processing unit to synchronize applications between the two systems, ensuring that the stop screen for the currently active application is properly displayed when the STOP key is pressed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate operating systems are used in operation unit and main body unit, then application functionality and versatility are improved, but synchronization between applications becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a synchronization processing unit as an intermediary component that mediates between the operation unit's first operating system and the main body unit's second operating system. This unit receives notification from the app-activation control unit about which application is currently displayed on the operation unit, and uses this information to identify and control the corresponding application on the main body unit, thereby ensuring proper synchronization and stop screen display.
2Ease of operation
If function keys are displayed in always-displayed banner area, then ease of operation is improved, but screen area becomes smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the function keys in the always-displayed banner area at the top of the display unit, utilizing the horizontal dimension rather than consuming vertical screen space. This allows quick access to frequently used applications through direct button presses while maintaining adequate display area for the main content below the banner.
3Reliability
If STOP key presses stop job on main body unit, then job control reliability is improved, but stop screen display on operation unit becomes improper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the synchronization processing unit continuously monitors which application is currently displayed on the operation unit and communicates this information to the stop control unit. When the STOP key is pressed, the stop control unit uses this feedback information to identify the corresponding application on the main body unit and display the appropriate stop screen on the operation unit, ensuring that the stop operation and its visual feedback are properly synchronized.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an operation unit that includes a display unit where a screen is displayed and a first operating system, and accepts an operation; and a main body unit that includes a second operating system, and acts according to an operation accepted by the operation unit, wherein the operation unit includes: an operation accepting unit that accepts, when an always-displayed screen for using a specific function is pressed, activation of a first application running on the first operating system to use the specific function associated with the screen; a synchronization processing unit that performs synchronization between a second application running on the first operating system and a third application running on the second operating system; an app-activation control unit that activates the first application after performing the synchronization; and a display control unit that displays an operation accepting screen of the first application on the display unit.