Peripheral Device UI Caching for Response Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interface systems for peripheral devices, such as printers and MFPs, face delays and inefficiencies due to real-time network control, leading to slow response times and lengthy customization processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where the peripheral device receives initial UI information from a server, allowing it to respond to user interactions without further communication and enabling quicker customization by using a browser application that communicates with print management software using an XML-based UI language, with the ability to handle user inputs through synchronous or asynchronous protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UI is controlled in real time by a remote server, then the UI can be dynamically customized, but the response time becomes slow and network traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by downloading and caching the complete UI definition from the server before actual user interaction occurs. The UI definition is retrieved in advance and stored locally in the peripheral device, enabling the device to respond to user inputs immediately without real-time server communication. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the UI structure beforehand while maintaining customization capability through the downloaded definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the peripheral device maintains a local copy of the UI definition as a buffer between the server and the user interface. This local cache acts as a mediator that enables fast local responses while still allowing server communication for customization. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by decoupling the UI rendering from real-time server control.
2Productivity
If the UI software is stored in device memory, then the device can operate independently, but customization becomes time-consuming due to quality control tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by using a standardized UI definition template that can be rapidly instantiated and customized. Instead of modifying existing UI software, the system copies a base UI definition and applies customizations to it, eliminating the need for time-consuming quality control tests on each customization variant. The copied definition can be quickly adapted to different customer requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by storing UI customization as modifiable parameters within the UI definition rather than modifying the core software. Customizations are represented as parameter values (such as logo images, button labels, or layout parameters) that can be changed without affecting the underlying UI structure. This allows rapid customization by simply changing parameters rather than rewriting software and performing extensive testing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each screen is sent separately by the server, then the UI can be dynamically updated, but network traffic increases and response time delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple UI screens into a single comprehensive UI definition that is downloaded once from the server. Instead of receiving separate screen definitions as users interact with the interface, the system merges all screen information into one complete definition cache. This reduces network traffic volume significantly while maintaining the ability to display different screens dynamically by selecting from the cached definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by retrieving the complete UI definition in advance before any user interaction occurs. The entire UI structure, including all possible screens and their definitions, is downloaded and cached beforehand. This preliminary retrieval eliminates the need for subsequent network communications when users navigate between screens, reducing both network traffic volume and response time while preserving dynamic update capability.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus for providing a user interface comprising a peripheral device (1) for displaying a user interface, and computer means (2) connected to the peripheral device (1). The apparatus is configured to provide user-interface information to the peripheral device (1), and the peripheral device (1) is configured to allow a user to interact with a program on the computer means (2) via a user interface displayed on the peripheral device (1). The apparatus is configured so that the computer means (2) sends user-interface information to the peripheral device (1) to allow the peripheral device (1) to display a plurality of panes of the user interface to the user without receiving further user-interface information from the computer means (2).