Remote Control Screen Masking for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote-maintenance technologies for image forming apparatuses require displaying maintenance screens with restricted settings to users, which can lead to unintended operations during remote control, as they do not prevent the display of operation screens on the image forming apparatus during remote maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that transmits screen information to an external apparatus for remote control while preventing the display of the operation screen on the image forming apparatus, using a mask mode to display a different screen during remote control, thereby preventing unintended operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation screen is displayed on the image forming apparatus during remote control, then the technician can perform maintenance operations, but unauthorized users may inadvertently access restricted settings
Solution Approach 1:
The screen display function is segmented into two independent display paths: one for the operation panel (local display) and one for the external apparatus (remote display). The control unit can independently control what is displayed on each path, allowing the maintenance screen to be displayed on the external apparatus while the operation panel shows a different screen or remains blank, thus preventing unauthorized access while enabling remote control operations
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the maintenance screen data and the display devices. It receives maintenance screen data and selectively outputs it to either the operation panel, the external apparatus, or both simultaneously with different content. This intermediary function allows precise control over which user sees which screen, preventing unauthorized access while enabling remote maintenance
2Adaptability or versatility
If the maintenance screen with restricted settings is displayed, then the technician can access hidden functions, but the user may be confused by unauthorized interface elements
Solution Approach 1:
Different display locations are assigned different quality characteristics: the external apparatus receives the full maintenance screen with all restricted functions for the technician, while the operation panel displays a simplified or alternative screen without restricted elements for the user. This local differentiation allows each user to see appropriate content for their role, maintaining both access to maintenance functions and user interface clarity
Data Source
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AI summary
A setting is made such that an operation screen based on screen information transmitted to an external apparatus (102) is not displayed on a display (213) during a connection with the external apparatus for remote control.