Information Processing Apparatus Manual Retrieval via QR Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing information processing systems for image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently retrieving and displaying manual information due to the large volume of information, leading to increased operational burdens and costs, particularly when consumables need to be replaced or issues are resolved, as workers often rely on cumbersome manual searches or inquiries rather than quick access to relevant instructions.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that generates and displays a two-dimensional code containing browsing destination information, allowing users to easily acquire manual information related to specific events or tasks using a mobile terminal, connecting to a document management device via a network, which simplifies the retrieval of necessary manual content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If workers manually search through instruction manuals to find replacement or troubleshooting information, then they can access the necessary manual contents, but the operational burden and time required are extremely heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting events (such as consumable replacement or paper jams) automatically and proactively displaying relevant manual information on the display device before the user needs to search. The controller identifies the detected event and retrieves corresponding manual contents in advance, eliminating the need for users to manually search through enormous volumes of instruction manual information.
2Ease of operation
If the system displays manual information on the display device, then users can access information quickly, but the display device must be capable of displaying and the system must have event detection functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single system: it serves as both the printing device and the information display terminal. The display device, already present in the apparatus, is utilized to show manual information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated display hardware. The controller performs both printing control and manual information management, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of access.
3Reliability
If connection information of client devices is registered in advance in the server device, then security and proper information delivery are ensured, but unregistered devices cannot access manual information
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus acts as an intermediary between the server device and various client devices. Instead of requiring direct connection between the server and each client device (which would require pre-registration), the apparatus receives manual information from the server and displays it locally. This intermediary role allows any device with a display to access manual information without pre-registration, while maintaining reliable information delivery through the controlled intermediary channel.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes: a display device; a storage storing device setting information that is unique information, with which the information processing apparatus can be identified, and contains model information of an information processing apparatus; an event detector that detects an event occurring when the predetermined function is implemented; an occurred event determination device that determines a content of the detected event, and acquires event detection information; a browsing destination information generator that generates browsing destination information for at least acquiring manual information corresponding to the occurred event by using the device setting information and the event detection information; and a browsing destination information display device that displays the generated browsing destination information on the display device.