Shared Operation Panel Interface Switching for MFPs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-functional peripherals (MFPs) with shared operation displays, the addition of a USB interface to image forming devices or modification of programs to use USB interfaces is required, leading to additional costs and complexity, as existing techniques necessitate a common interface type for transmitting operation input information across devices.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a shared operation display part that uses different types of interfaces (e.g., USB and I2C) to communicate with multiple devices, allowing the hardware processor to dynamically switch between interfaces based on user requests, thereby eliminating the need for a common interface type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a common interface type (USB) is used for transmitting operation input information to multiple devices, then interface universality and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and additional cost increase due to requiring USB interface addition and program modification
Solution Approach 1:
The operation display part serves as an intermediary between the user and multiple devices with different interfaces. It includes multiple interface units (first interface unit for I2C, second interface unit for USB) that can selectively connect to different devices. The hardware processor dynamically switches between interfaces based on which device is currently being operated, allowing the system to support multiple interface types without requiring each device to have all interfaces or requiring program modifications.
2Device complexity
If different interface types are used for each device, then device complexity is reduced and cost is saved, but interface switching complexity and response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The operation display part is pre-configured with multiple interface units (first interface unit for I2C, second interface unit for USB) and the hardware processor is pre-programmed with switching logic. When a device switch request is received, the processor quickly determines which interface to use based on pre-established correspondence between devices and interfaces, minimizing decision-making time and enabling rapid interface switching without complex real-time analysis.
3Ease of operation
If the operation display part shares the same interface for all devices, then ease of operation is improved, but additional cost and program modification are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its interface configuration based on operational needs. The hardware processor monitors which device is currently being operated and dynamically switches between the first interface unit (I2C) and second interface unit (USB) accordingly. This dynamic interface selection allows the system to maintain interface compatibility for ease of operation while avoiding the need to permanently equip all devices with expensive universal interfaces, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: a first device; a second device; and an operation display part, wherein the operation display part includes: an operation panel; and a hardware processor that controls operations of the operation panel, the hardware processor is: capable of sending operation input information on the operation panel to the first device via a first interface; sending the operation input information on the operation panel to the second device via a second interface; and receiving a switch request of switching a device, the first interface and the second interface are of mutually different types, and when receiving the switch request, the hardware processor: changes a source device from which display contents of the operation panel are sent, and changes a destination device to which the operation input information on the operation panel is sent, and sends the operation input information to a post-changing destination device.