Remote Operation Screen Display for Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote operation systems for image forming apparatuses face visibility issues due to the superimposition of hardware key images over software key images on a single display of a mobile terminal, making it difficult to view buttons and other indications.

Innovation Solution

The system decides to display operation images individually on multiple display units of a mobile terminal when available, preventing superimposition by specifying which images to display on each unit, thereby enhancing visibility and utilizing multiple display units effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hardware key images are superimposed on the operation image including software key images within one display of the mobile terminal, then remote operations related to both hardware keys and software keys can be performed, but the buttons and indications arranged under the hardware key images become difficult to view

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidvisibility degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the operation images into multiple separate displays on the mobile terminal. Instead of superimposing hardware key images and software key images on a single display, the system segments them across multiple displays, allowing each image to be viewed clearly without obstruction while maintaining the ability to perform both hardware and software key operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If multiple operation images are displayed on a single display unit, then all operation interfaces are accessible, but the visibility and clarity of individual buttons and indications deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation interface accessibilityVSAvoidvisibility of buttons and indications

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional superimposition approach to a multi-dimensional display approach by utilizing multiple display units stacked or arranged in different spatial configurations. This dimensional change allows operation images to be distributed across separate displays, eliminating visual overlap while maintaining comprehensive operation interface accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9986107B2Systems and methods for displaying remote operation screens of an image forming apparatus based on a configuration of display(s) of a mobile terminal

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus capable of being remotely operated by a mobile terminal includes: a specification unit configured to specify an image to be displayed on the mobile terminal as an operation image for the image forming apparatus; an acquisition unit configured to acquire information on the number of display units of the mobile terminal; a decision unit configured to, when a plurality of images is specified as the operation images and the number of the display units of the mobile terminal is recognized as two or more, make a first decision that at least two of the plurality of images are to be displayed on at least two of the two or more display units of the mobile terminal; and a transmission unit configured to transmit a display instruction based on the first decision to the mobile terminal.