Remote MFP Operation Screen Scaling for Mixed Display Resolutions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remote operation systems face challenges in operability due to screen size differences between multifunction peripherals and portable information terminals, leading to frequent screen switching and complexity when the operation panel of the multifunction peripheral is small and the displayed operation screen is created for a small display.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a higher resolution display and a display storage that loads operation images, allowing transmission of these images to a higher resolution information processing apparatus, enabling seamless operation across different display resolutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operation screen is displayed as it is on the remote display, then the display content is simple, but screen switching occurs frequently and operations become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoperabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operation screen display based on the display size of the remote device. When a large display is detected, the system automatically generates an enlarged operation screen that maintains simplicity and avoids frequent screen switching, thereby improving operability without increasing operation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the display parameters (screen size, resolution, layout) of the operation screen according to the capabilities of the remote display device. By detecting the display size and adjusting the screen parameters accordingly, the system prevents frequent screen switching and maintains operational simplicity on large displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If the operation screen is enlarged for a large display, then the display content is detailed, but the operation panel design becomes constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidpanel design flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic screen generation that adapts to different display sizes. Instead of designing a fixed operation panel, the system dynamically creates operation screens that are appropriately scaled for each display, maintaining design flexibility while supporting various display areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operation screen is segmented into functional elements that can be independently adjusted and positioned. This segmentation allows the system to create customized operation screens for different display sizes without constraining the overall panel design, as each element can be optimally positioned based on the display capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If the remote display size is larger than the information processing apparatus display, then the remote operation visibility is improved, but the existing remote operation system design does not account for this scenario

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote display areaVSAvoidsystem adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various display size scenarios. It can adapt to both small and large remote displays, making the system universal and capable of serving different user needs and display configurations without requiring separate designs for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the detected display size of the remote device. When a larger display is detected, it automatically generates an enlarged operation screen, thereby adapting to the specific scenario of large remote displays and improving visibility while maintaining system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260075154A1Image forming apparatus, control method, and system
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 SHARP KK
  • US20260075154A1 patent drawing
  • US20260075154A1 patent drawing
  • US20260075154A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An image forming apparatus that is remotely operable by an information processing apparatus including a first display that displays a first operation image as a remote operation image, the image forming apparatus includes: a second display that displays a second operation image as an image forming apparatus operation image for operation of the image forming apparatus; a communicator that communicates with the information processing apparatus; a display storage in which the first operation image is loaded; and one or more controllers that transmit the first operation image including the second operation image as a part of the first operation image to the information processing apparatus when a resolution of the first display is higher than a resolution of the second display.