Remote Panel Service for Seamless MFP Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing and remotely operating multiple image forming apparatuses, such as multifunctional peripherals (MFPs), face challenges in seamless remote access and operation across a network, particularly in environments with multiple processing devices, where users need to easily switch between devices while maintaining uninterrupted functionality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a remote panel service allowing a terminal to connect to the closest available image forming apparatus via Bluetooth or near-field communication, enabling remote operation by displaying the same screens and allowing users to manage and execute tasks across multiple MFPs, with features like connection history management, screen data transfer, and entity determination for processing execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user remotely operates multiple image forming apparatuses using a terminal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to connection management across multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal automatically determines the next image forming apparatus to connect based on connection history stored in its own storage unit, without requiring user intervention for device selection. The system self-manages the connection sequence by autonomously selecting apparatuses based on previously established connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection history is stored in advance in the terminal's storage unit, preparing the information needed for automatic device selection. The terminal pre-records the sequence of connected apparatuses, enabling rapid automatic reconnection without real-time user input or complex discovery protocols.
2Productivity
If the terminal automatically determines the next apparatus to connect, then the productivity is improved by reducing connection time, but the loss of information may occur if connection history is not properly managed
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal maintains connection history as feedback information that continuously updates as connections are established. The storage unit records the sequence of connected apparatuses, and this accumulated information feeds back into the automatic determination process, ensuring that connection patterns are preserved and utilized for future automatic connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of connection management from real-time user selection to history-based automatic determination. By transforming the connection process into a parameter-driven automatic selection based on stored connection history, the system reduces connection time while preserving information through structured data management in the storage unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If screen data is transferred between apparatuses, then the adaptability is improved for seamless operation, but the loss of time occurs during data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by automatically transferring screen data between apparatuses in the connection sequence. When the terminal connects to a new apparatus, screen data is continuously transferred from the previous apparatus's display buffer, ensuring uninterrupted workflow without requiring user intervention or manual data re-entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal acts as an intermediary that manages screen data transfer between multiple image forming apparatuses. It receives screen data from one apparatus and transmits it to another, mediating the data flow to enable seamless operation across the network while minimizing transmission time through efficient data handling.
Data Source
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AI summary
A processing apparatus having a function to perform specific processing based on a request from a terminal is provided. The processing apparatus includes a connection portion configured to connect the processing apparatus to the terminal; and a display control portion configured to control the terminal to display a second screen including a part or a whole of a first screen, the first screen having been displayed in the terminal by another processing apparatus with the function before the processing apparatus connects to the terminal.