Unified Operation Terminal for Coordinated Electronic Apparatus Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the ability to provide multiple services using a combination of electronic apparatuses connected within a single system, limiting the utility value of various electronic devices and operation terminals.
Innovation Solution
A service providing system that includes an operation terminal and an information processing apparatus, where the operation terminal acquires and sends service information and apparatus information to the information processing apparatus, enabling the system to control multiple electronic apparatuses for coordinated service provision through a defined interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic apparatuses are connected to the system, then the utility value and functionality of the system is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation terminal is designed with multi-functionality to perform various services (printing, scanning, copying, faxing) by coordinating different electronic apparatuses. The terminal includes service information acquiring units, apparatus information acquiring units, and control units that can manage multiple types of apparatuses through a unified interface, allowing one terminal to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation terminal acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple electronic apparatuses. It acquires service information from a server, determines which apparatuses need to be coordinated, and controls them through pre-defined interfaces. This intermediary role simplifies the user interaction while managing the complexity of coordinating multiple apparatuses behind the scenes.
2Reliability
If service information and apparatus information are exchanged through defined interfaces, then the reliability of service provision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines interfaces for communication between the operation terminal and electronic apparatuses before actual service provision occurs. These pre-defined interfaces ensure that when service information is acquired and apparatus information is exchanged, the communication protocols are already established, reducing the complexity of real-time interface negotiation and improving reliability through standardized interaction protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages different service types and apparatus configurations by changing parameter settings within the pre-defined interfaces. Rather than requiring different interfaces for each service type, the system adjusts parameters (such as data formats, communication modes, and control commands) to adapt to various services while maintaining the same underlying interface structure, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A service providing system includes an operation terminal that includes a service information acquiring unit of acquiring service information indicative of at least one service and information of an apparatus to be used related to an electronic apparatus used for the at least one service, a receiving unit that receives a selection of one service, an apparatus information acquiring unit that acquires apparatus information determining at least one electronic apparatus, an apparatus information sending unit that sends the apparatus information through a previously defined interface; and an information processing apparatus that includes a service information sending unit that sends the service information and the information of the apparatus, and a service providing unit that provides the one service by controlling the at least one electronic apparatus by a cooperation method corresponding to the one service determined by the apparatus information sent from the operation terminal through the previously defined interface.