Portable Operation Panel for MFP Job Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing systems, such as MFPs, face poor operability issues when transferring jobs between devices, requiring users to perform multiple steps and navigate complex operation panels, leading to user frustration and difficulty in job transfer operations.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system comprising a first image processing apparatus, a second image processing apparatus, and a display device with an attachable and removable operation panel that stores and displays job information, allowing seamless job transfer between devices without the need for extensive panel operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a job is transferred using a USB memory, then the job can be transferred between MFPs, but the user has to select a job and image data on the operation panel at both the source and destination MFPs, requiring several steps of inputs and settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable terminal device as an intermediary that stores job information and image data. The terminal device acts as a mediator between the source and destination MFPs, automatically managing the job transfer process without requiring users to perform multiple selection and setting operations on the MFP operation panels. The terminal device sends job information to the destination MFP and automatically transmits the corresponding image data, simplifying the user interaction to minimal steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image data is transferred on a network, then the job can be transferred between MFPs, but the user has to select a job on the operation panel and search for a destination MFP from among a plurality of MFPs on the network
Solution Approach 1:
The portable terminal device serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for users to search for destination MFPs on the network. The terminal device stores the destination MFP information and automatically establishes the connection, reducing the user's task to simply selecting the job and specifying the destination MFP identifier, rather than browsing through multiple networked devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the terminal device pre-store job information and destination MFP details before the actual transfer. The terminal device prepares the job information in advance and automatically transmits it to the destination MFP, which then requests the image data. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for real-time searching and complex panel operations during the transfer process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple steps of inputs and settings are required on the operation panel, then job transfer can be performed, but it takes time and efforts for the users
Solution Approach 1:
The portable terminal device as an intermediary automates the time-consuming steps of job transfer. Instead of requiring users to manually configure multiple settings on the MFP operation panels, the terminal device automatically manages job information storage, transmission to the destination MFP, and image data transfer, significantly reducing the time and effort required for job transfer operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system includes a first MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral), a second MFP, and an operation panel. The operation panel is attachable to and removable from each of the first and second MFPs. The first MFP accepts a job. The operation panel includes a storage unit for storing information held by the first MFP and a display unit for displaying information about the job accepted by the first MFP. The second MFP executes the job accepted by the first MFP based on the information stored in the storage unit of the operation panel when the operation panel is removed from the first MFP and attached to the second MFP.