Remote Control Screen for External Program Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems struggle to execute programs installed on external terminals through their remote control screens, as these screens are designed for controlling image forming apparatus functions rather than external terminal functions, making it difficult to instruct the execution of external terminal programs.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that generates and transmits display data for an operation screen on the external terminal, including a key image to execute external terminal programs, based on program information defining relationships between terminal programs and data files, allowing users to select and execute programs capable of processing specific data files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation screen is designed for remote control of image forming apparatus functions, then the image forming apparatus can be controlled effectively, but the screen cannot receive instructions to execute external terminal programs
Solution Approach 1:
The operation screen is enhanced to serve dual purposes: it maintains its original function for remote controlling the image forming apparatus while simultaneously gaining the capability to receive instructions for executing external terminal programs. This is achieved by adding program information display and key image elements to the existing operation screen structure, allowing it to function as both a remote control interface and a program execution launcher.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all external terminal programs are displayed on the operation screen, then users can access any program, but the screen becomes cluttered and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of displaying all external terminal programs uniformly, the operation screen dynamically adapts its content based on the selected data file. Only program information relevant to the currently selected data file is displayed, with key images shown for programs capable of processing that specific file type. This localized display approach reduces screen clutter while maintaining comprehensive program access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation screen transitions from a static display of all programs to a dynamic display that changes based on user interactions. When a data file is selected, the screen updates to show only the subset of programs relevant to that file type, making the interface adaptive and context-aware rather than fixed and comprehensive.
3Loss of information
If the operation screen displays program information for all external terminal programs, then complete program information is available, but the screen becomes difficult to understand and navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The information display is optimized by showing only locally relevant program information - specifically, program details for programs that can process the currently selected data file. This selective information presentation maintains completeness of relevant program information while eliminating irrelevant content that would confuse users.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of displaying complete information for all programs (excessive action), the system displays partial information - specifically, program information only for programs relevant to the selected data file. This partial display approach prevents information overload while ensuring all necessary program information is available for the current context.
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique is provided for enabling execution of a program installed in an external device by remote control of an image forming apparatus through an operation screen. The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus and an external terminal communicable with the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes generation means and transmission means. The generation means generates display data for an operation screen (GS2) including a key image (KG21) for receiving an instruction to execute an external terminal program, on the basis of program information regarding the types of external terminal programs that are programs installed in the external terminal. The transmission means transmits the image data to the external terminal. The external terminal includes communication means and display control means. The communication means receives image data transmitted from the image forming apparatus. The display control means displays the operation screen (GS2) on the touch panel (75) on the basis of the image data.