Unified Print Interface Server Screen Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems for print jobs require users to operate multiple interfaces, leading to increased complexity and the likelihood of errors due to the need to switch between print server and MFP interfaces based on print mode, complicating the workflow and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that includes a server part capable of determining the necessity of request information for printing based on the print mode, generating different screens for user input when necessary, allowing users to perform operations on a single interface without switching between server and MFP screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the user operates both the print server and MFP interfaces to complete print jobs, then the print job can be processed according to different print modes, but the operation complexity increases and the likelihood of wrong operations becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the print server interface and MFP operation panel into a unified interface. The server part generates screens that are displayed on the MFP operation panel, allowing users to input all necessary information (including authentication and print mode selections) through a single device rather than switching between two separate interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFP operation panel is made universal by enabling it to display and process both MFP-specific operations and print server operations through the generated screens. The same hardware interface serves multiple functions: displaying print job information, accepting authentication input, allowing print mode selection, and providing feedback - replacing the need for separate server and MFP interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user switches between print server and MFP interfaces for different operations, then all print mode requirements can be met, but the operation time and workflow complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server part performs preliminary actions by generating screens that contain all necessary input fields and options before the user begins operating. The screens are prepared in advance with appropriate questions and input mechanisms based on the print mode, so users don't need to switch interfaces during the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The generated screens act as an intermediary between the print server and MFP. The server part creates these screens based on print mode requirements, displays them on the MFP operation panel, and processes the user inputs. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for users to directly interact with both separate systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation panels are used for print job processing, then comprehensive control over print modes is achieved, but the device complexity and user error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential print server functionality (screen generation and processing) and integrates it into the MFP operation panel display. Instead of requiring a separate server interface, the MFP's display capability is utilized to show server-generated screens, reducing the number of active interfaces from two to one while maintaining full print mode control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system includes: an image processor having an image print function; and a server part, wherein the image processing system is connectable to a display part that displays a screen, and the server part determines whether acquisition of request information to be requested for printing is necessary, on the basis of a print mode of a print job, and generates a first screen for receiving a user operation for inputting the request information as the screen when the acquisition is necessary and generates a second screen different from the first screen when the acquisition is unnecessary.