Virtual Operation Unit Image for Seamless Device Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users familiar with a specific operation unit face inconvenience when operating a device with different operability, making it difficult to execute functions seamlessly.

Innovation Solution

A method and device configuration that displays an image of the operation unit, detects operations on this image, and executes functions accordingly, allowing users to operate the device with the same usability as the original unit, including options for selecting different models and integrating letter input and display units for print data creation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a device with different operability is used to execute apparatus functions, then the device can be operated without the original apparatus, but the user experiences inconvenience due to different operability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice operabilityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of the original operation unit's interface on the device display. This copy includes buttons, indicators, and layout that mirror the original operation unit, allowing users to interact with the device as if they were operating the original apparatus. The copying principle resolves the contradiction by preserving the familiar operational interface while enabling function execution on a different device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the device and the user. This intermediary translates device operations into actions that mimic the original operation unit's behavior. The image display unit shows visual representations of operation states, and the control unit processes inputs to replicate the original apparatus's response patterns, thereby mediating between different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the operation unit interface is replicated on a device display, then user convenience is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability consistencyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical mechanical interfaces with electronic display and control systems. Instead of requiring actual physical buttons and mechanical indicators like the original operation unit, the system uses a display screen to show virtual operation unit images and touch or button inputs to detect user operations. This substitution reduces physical complexity while maintaining operational familiarity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to perform multiple functions: displaying the operation unit image, detecting user operations, executing apparatus functions, and creating print data. By integrating these functions into a single device with a universal control system, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10377148B2Function executing method of device, device, and program

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A function executing method of a device that executes a step of displaying an operation unit image, which is an image of an operation unit of an apparatus including the operation unit and an apparatus function executing unit that executes a function by an operation of the operation unit, by a device display unit, a step of detecting an operation of the operation unit image by a detection unit, and a step of executing the function based on detection of the operation of the operation unit image by a device function executing unit.