Workflow Display Icons for MFP Error Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Multi-Function Peripherals (MFPs) with Box functions require significant resources to handle various routine tasks, and users face difficulties in identifying and addressing errors within complex process sequences, especially during time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A workflow system that displays the execution progress of discrete Boxes linked in a sequence, allowing users to visualize the state of each process through icons and information, including completion status, error detection, and remaining time, with options to skip halted processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If discrete Boxes are linked in a workflow sequence to handle various routine tasks, then resource usage is reduced and task automation is improved, but it becomes difficult for users to locate where troubles occur and to monitor execution progress
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow is segmented into discrete Boxes, each representing a specific process step. The display interface further segments the visualization by showing execution states for each individual Box, allowing users to identify problem locations without being overwhelmed by the entire workflow complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Icons representing Boxes change color or appearance based on their execution state (e.g., different colors for completed, in-progress, or error states). This visual feedback mechanism enables users to quickly locate troubles without examining detailed logs or system states.
2Productivity
If discrete Boxes are linked in a workflow sequence to handle various routine tasks, then resource usage is reduced and task automation is improved, but users cannot promptly take corrective actions due to difficulty in locating errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate visual feedback by displaying the execution state of each Box in the workflow sequence. When an error occurs, the affected Box is visually highlighted, providing real-time feedback that enables users to quickly identify and correct problems, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If execution progress of time-consuming processes is not displayed, then system resources are conserved, but users experience uncertainty and cannot plan subsequent actions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial information display by showing execution states only for currently executed processes rather than continuously monitoring and displaying all possible workflow information. This approach provides sufficient progress information to users while avoiding the resource overhead of comprehensive real-time monitoring of all system states.
Data Source
AI summary
A display method for displaying a workflow system composed of a plurality of discrete Boxes each associated with a document process and linked in a predetermined order. The workflow is defined for causing the processes to be sequentially executed. The workflow is displayed using icons representing the Boxes. If execution of the associated process has been completed, an icon representing a corresponding Box is overlaid with oblique lines. If execution of the associated process is currently in process, an icon representing a corresponding Box is overlaid with a graphical representation of a sand timer.