Remote Image Forming Control via Panel Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems require users to install specific layout data for each model of the image forming apparatus on mobile terminal devices, making it inconvenient for users to operate different models without physical interaction, which can lead to infection risks from contact.
Innovation Solution
A system where a mobile terminal apparatus captures and displays an image of the image forming apparatus's operation panel, detects user operations, extracts a partial image of the operation area, and transmits this data to the image forming apparatus, allowing it to identify and execute corresponding actions without needing pre-installed layout data, thus enabling operation across various models without direct user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If layout data for each model is pre-installed on mobile terminal devices, then operation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention captures the actual operation panel display as an image and uses this visual copy for remote operation, eliminating the need for pre-installed layout data. The captured image serves as a dynamic template that automatically adapts to different device models and software versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically captures the operation panel state and generates the necessary operation template without requiring user intervention for data installation or configuration. The mobile terminal autonomously adapts to different image forming apparatus models.
2Reliability
If physical contact with operation panel is required, then operation reliability is improved, but infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a mobile terminal as an intermediary device that captures images of the operation panel and transmits operation commands remotely. This mediator eliminates direct physical contact between the user and the image forming apparatus while maintaining operational reliability through visual feedback and precise touch input mapping.
3Measurement precision
If model-specific layout data is required, then operation precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal remote operation system that works across different image forming apparatus models by using captured operation panel images as the basis for generating model-specific operation templates dynamically, rather than requiring pre-configured model-specific data.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation template is dynamically generated based on the captured operation panel state, allowing the system to adapt to different models, software versions, and display configurations in real-time without requiring static pre-installed data for each model.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes a mobile terminal apparatus and an image forming apparatus. The mobile terminal apparatus displays a captured image of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus, extracts from the captured image, in response to a user operation on the captured image, an operation partial image including an operation part designated by the user operation, and transmits operation partial image data indicating the operation partial image to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus identifies the operation part corresponding to the operation partial image data received from the mobile terminal apparatus, and executes an action corresponding to the identified operation part.