Remote Control System for Image Processing via Server Relay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for image processing apparatuses require direct connection to an internal network or installation of specific tools, making remote operation cumbersome and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A remote control system comprising an image processing apparatus, a server, and network terminals, where the image processing apparatus generates screen data and transmits it to the server, which then relays it to the network terminal, enabling remote control through user operations on the network terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a local terminal is directly connected to an image processing apparatus on an office's internal network, then remote control is enabled, but it requires connecting to the internal network or installing particular tools, making the system complex and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control convenienceVSAvoidconnection requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A server acts as an intermediary between the image processing apparatus and network terminals. The server receives screen data from the image processing apparatus and distributes it to authorized network terminals, enabling remote control without direct connections to the internal network or installation of special tools on the image processing apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses standard network protocols and web technologies (HTML5, WebGL) that allow any network-terminal equipped device to access and control the image processing apparatus through a web browser, eliminating the need for device-specific software or specialized connection hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If screen data is transmitted continuously from the image processing apparatus to the server and network terminal, then the display is always updated, but communication load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay update accuracyVSAvoidcommunication load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous transmission, the system uses periodic polling where the terminal requests screen data at intervals. The server and image processing apparatus only transmit updated screen data when changes are detected, reducing unnecessary communication while maintaining display accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the terminal requests screen data only when needed, and the server responds with updated data only when changes are detected. This demand-driven approach reduces communication load while ensuring the display reflects current state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250080666A1Remote control system, image processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium containing computer-executable instructions therefor

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A remote control system includes an image processing apparatus, a server, and a network terminal. A remote control of the image processing apparatus through the server is possible by user operations on the network terminal. The image processing apparatus displays a first display screen, generates first screen data indicating the first display screen, and transmits the first screen data to the server. The server receives the first screen data, and transmit the first screen data to the network terminal. The network terminal receives the first screen data from the server, and displays the first display screen on the network display based on the first screen data.