Printing Apparatus Permission Screens Before Remote Drive Commands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote maintenance systems for printing apparatuses lack consideration for the on-site worker's perspective, potentially leading to unexpected operations of drive components, which can be unsettling and difficult to communicate with.

Innovation Solution

A printing system that includes a permission display mechanism on the printing apparatus, allowing workers to grant permission for driving specific components before remote operation is initiated, ensuring that maintenance processing is conducted with the worker's awareness and consent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If remote maintenance processing is executed by transmitting commands from a terminal apparatus, then maintenance efficiency and productivity are improved, but the worker at the site may experience unexpected operations of drive components causing anxiety and communication difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidworker anxiety from unexpected operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays a permission screen requesting worker approval before executing remote maintenance commands. This preliminary action of obtaining consent prevents unexpected operations, reducing worker anxiety while maintaining maintenance efficiency through streamlined pre-authorized processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback by notifying the worker of upcoming drive component operations before they occur. This feedback mechanism allows the worker to anticipate and understand remote actions, eliminating the harmful effect of unexpected operations while preserving remote maintenance productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If remote maintenance processing is executed without worker permission, then maintenance time is reduced and productivity increases, but the worker experiences unexpected operations making communication difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance timeVSAvoidworker comfort and communication

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The permission screen is displayed in advance of command execution, allowing rapid worker approval or rejection. This preliminary action maintains time efficiency by avoiding post-operation communication issues while improving worker comfort through prior notification and consent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The permission screen acts as an intermediary between the remote terminal apparatus and the local worker. It facilitates smooth communication by providing a clear interface for worker consent, reducing communication difficulties while maintaining efficient maintenance timing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250306829A1Printing system, printing apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A printing apparatus receives command information including one or more commands for causing the printing apparatus to execute a specific operation. The printing apparatus performs processing for displaying a permission screen for accepting permission to drive a specific first drive component at least when the command information requests the driving of the first drive component. The printing apparatus executes a command for driving the first drive component in response to acceptance of an operation for the permission on the permission screen.