Portable Terminal Image Processing System Using Server Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users carrying portable terminals face challenges in accessing and utilizing image processing apparatuses, such as MFPs, due to the lack of universal interfaces across different devices, limiting their ability to perform functions like printing and scanning.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that includes a portable terminal with a shooting unit, an obtaining unit for positional and orientation information, and a transmission unit to connect with an information processing apparatus, which stores and updates positional and functional information for available image processing apparatuses, allowing users to select and execute functions on compatible devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If portable terminals are equipped with interfaces for all image processing apparatuses, then users can utilize any image processing apparatus anywhere, but the device complexity and cost of the portable terminal would increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a server as an intermediary between the portable terminal and image processing apparatuses. The server stores information about multiple image processing apparatuses including their locations, functions, and operational status. The portable terminal communicates with the server to obtain this information and identify suitable apparatuses, rather than requiring direct communication interfaces with each apparatus. This mediator approach enables universal access without increasing terminal complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable terminals include application interfaces for all image processing apparatuses, then processing functions can be executed on any apparatus, but the ease of operation would deteriorate due to the need for users to understand and configure multiple interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service functionality where the portable terminal's shooting unit captures images of image processing apparatuses, and the server automatically identifies the apparatus type and retrieves its specific functional information. The terminal then displays apparatus-specific operation interfaces automatically matched to the detected device, eliminating the need for users to manually configure or understand multiple interfaces. The system serves itself by automatically adapting to different apparatuses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system stores comprehensive information about all image processing apparatuses, then users can find and utilize any apparatus, but the information processing apparatus would require significant storage and processing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments information storage and processing across multiple components: the server stores comprehensive apparatus information in a structured database format, while the portable terminal stores only the necessary application for communicating with the server. When a user needs to access an apparatus, the terminal queries the server for specific apparatus information rather than storing all information locally. This segmentation distributes the information burden appropriately.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image processing system, a portable terminal obtains positional information and orientation information of the portable terminal and transmits these to an information processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus generates information specifying a process executable by the apparatus itself at the present moment and transmits the generated information to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus stores positional information and functional information for specifying a process to be executed, for each image processing apparatus. Upon receiving the positional information and orientation information from the portable terminal, the information processing apparatus transmits, to the portable terminal, the functional information for specifying a process to be executed by a specific image processing apparatus associated with the received information.