Unified Function Interface for Image Processing Operability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing apparatuses with multiple functions require complex operations to select and use functions stored on other devices, leading to poor operability due to the need for dedicated windows and special settings for connecting to external apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that includes a user login unit, a function selecting unit, a searching unit, and a transmission unit to identify and utilize external functions stored on other apparatuses, allowing seamless integration and operation of internal and external functions through a unified interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If functions are stored on other apparatuses and accessed through dedicated windows or special operations, then the system can utilize external application files, but the operation becomes difficult and operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges internal functions and external functions into a unified function list displayed on a single screen. The presenting unit combines functions from the image processing apparatus itself and functions from other apparatuses (stored in memory or on storage media) into one integrated display, eliminating the need for separate dedicated windows and simplifying user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation panel unit serves multiple purposes by universally displaying both internal and external functions through a single interface. The function selecting unit can select from any function in the unified list regardless of its source, creating a multi-functional operation system that treats internal and external functions equally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are integrated into the image processing apparatus, then the system becomes more versatile, but the operation panel complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of function management from the user interface. By automatically obtaining function lists from other apparatuses and integrating them into a unified display, the system handles the complex task of function integration in the background, presenting only a simplified unified function list to the user without exposing the underlying complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The presenting unit acts as an intermediary between the image processing apparatus and external apparatuses. It automatically obtains function information from other devices and mediates the integration by creating a unified function list, shielding the user from the complexity of direct connections and multiple separate interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
When a log-in is accepted at an image processing apparatus (for example, an MFP), a user terminal logged-in with the same log-in information is searched for, and information related to applications being active on that terminal is obtained. An interaction processing key indicative of an application related to a basic function selected as a function to be used is displayed out of the applications. When the user selects the interaction processing key to execute the desired processing, the MFP requests a job to the user terminal to execute the processing interactively with the corresponding application.