Ricoh's second generation 10.1-inch Smart Operation Panel is a standard feature available on selected GWNX-enabled multifunction products (MFPs). It replaces the first generation Smart Operation Panel which was available as an option for selected devices.
The most noticeable improvements in the second generation Smart Operation Panel are in the features set, response time and, usability. It also eliminates all physical buttons to make way for a full touchscreen interface.
Based on Android technology, the second generation Smart Operation Panel provides the same multi-touch user experience found on smartphones and tablets. Using a touchscreen interface with multi-touch gestures, users are able to tap, swipe, flick, or pinch the screen to select, navigate, and resize items.
What’s changed
There are some key differences in the hardware component of the Smart Operation Panel. Chief amongst them is the elimination of physical keys, which are now replaced by soft keys.
While the screen size remains the same at 10.1 inches, the physical dimensions of the panel have been reduced, making it more streamlined and creating a smaller footprint. This allows it to be integrated into smaller and more compact MFPs while providing a large screen area.
Bluetooth support is also now offered with the second generation Smart Operation Panel for added connection flexibility.
This table lists the keys differences between the second generation Smart Operation Panel and the previous version.
| Specification | Second generation Smart Operation Panel | First generation Smart Operation Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz | 533 MHz |
| Memory (RAM) | 2 GB | 1 GB |
| Operating system | Android v4.2 | Android v2.3 |
| Key type | Soft keys | Hard keys |
| Interfaces | USB mini host Type A, USB slot, SD card slot, HDMI—customisation required | USB mini host, USB slot, SD card slot |
| Bluetooth | Supported | Not supported |
| Dimensions (W x H) | 267 x 160 mm | 345 x 161 mm |
| Screen size | 10.1 inches | 10.1 inches |
Main features
The basic concept of the second generation Smart Operation Panel remains unchanged from the previous version. All the applications are placed on the Home screen and users can tap the icons to launch them.
Users will find the design of the Home screen to be more streamlined with customisable icon layouts which can be changed at any time using multi-touch gestures. They are able to swipe, flick, or pinch the screen to select, navigate, or reposition items.
Settings can also be changed and shortcuts can be created to access frequently-used functions in one simple layout.
Soft keys
Soft keys are now displayed in a banner area at the bottom of the touchscreen, providing access to the home screen and other navigation functions. By tapping through to the home screen users can launch applications, change settings, and access applications to make copying, printing, scanning, and faxing much more intuitive.
New selectable user interfaces
Each user has the ability to customise their home screen to include frequently-used applications and widgets which are displayed as icons. This is supported by the introduction of three selectable user interfaces (UI).
Brand new Smart UI
The brand new Smart UI provides users with an easy layout for setting changes through tablet-like touch gestures. Users will be provided with helpful explanations on complex features as well as have the ability to access Smart Applications like Smart Copy, Smart Scan, Smart Fax, USB/SD print and scan, and Stored print release.
Quick UI
This is a simplified layout, displaying only the core functions that the user wants to quickly access such as copy, scan and fax. It requires a minimum number of touches to operate. As part of the Quick UI scheme, there are also Single-function ‘helper’ apps that provide easy guidance for using specific MFP functions. Some of these applications include:
- Scan to folder—offers a step-by-step guide to ensure files are scanned and stored in specific folders
- Conference concierge—guides users through the process of creating copies of key documents that are in the right size, format, and orientation for their intended use
- ID card copy—enables users to quickly make a paper copy of an ID card. Users are guided through the process of printing both the front and back of the card on a single sheet of paper, saving users time and increasing convenience.
Classic UI
Users can easily switch to the legacy Ricoh UI for functions such as copy, print, fax, document server, and user tools.
PDF support
The web browser on the Smart Operation Panel supports PDF thereby allowing users to display, print, and save PDF files to removable media.
Enhanced widgets
The Smart Operation Panel features convenient applications called widgets that display information directly on the home screen. Widgets provide users with essential information such as time and date, toner levels, system message, incoming fax, and eco notifications.
Remote assistance
Administrators are able to operate and configure the Smart Operation Panel from a remote PC. Accessing via a relay server and connected by an encrypted link to communicate beyond the firewall, administrators are able to offer user support using tools like screen sharing.
Smart Assist
The Smart Assist feature provides a link to a Web Help directory of frequently asked questions (FAQs), enabling users to resolve issues by themselves when encountering a problem on the MFP. This feature is available when the device is connected to the internet.
Application Site
Application Site is an application downloading site that enables administrators to install and update applications by themselves, including updating the firmware.
It supports not only Smart Operation Panel native embedded applications, but also Browser NX web applications. It is important to note that Application Site does not support Device SDK applications and legacy MFP browser applications.
Connection with smart devices
The Smart Operation Panel provides simple and intuitive connection with a host of smart devices via mobile apps such as Smart Device Print&Scan and Smart Device Connector. Depending on the mobile device, a connection can be made by simply tapping the device using Near field communication (NFC) technology (requires optional NFC tag). This acts an important enabler for the mobile workforce to interact with an MFP in order to be more productive.
Benefits
The Smart Operation Panel is designed to provide a simple and easy-to-use interface for users to access the features of an MFP. Slated to be a standard feature moving forward for selected Ricoh MFPs, users will find it extremely beneficial in improving their daily work experience.
- Personalisation— the selectable user interface feature enables users to customise and quickly access frequently used features directly from the home screen.
- Space saving— the elimination of hard keys means that the panel is more streamlined and there is more room for a large touch screen. A smaller footprint also means that it will appear to be more integrated into the physical dimensions of the MFP.
- Speeding up workflow— users can use the web browser feature on the MFP to print content directly from a website. This makes it easier to convert electronic content into hardcopy without needing to send print jobs from the computer to the MFP. Users can also access single function applications that simplify and speed up the process of creating documents.
- Ease of use— a new home screen means users can quickly and easily navigate to the installed applications and widgets. In addition, users are able to access quick updates on the date, time, and toner levels. There is no need to swipe through multiple pages to access frequently-used features.
- Shorter learning curve— the Smart Operation Panel allows users to operate MFPs using touch gestures, just like a smart device. The familiar operation of swiping, flicking, drag-and-drop gesture can be used to rearrange icons on the home screen. This dramatically increases the user friendliness of the MFP.
- Minimising errors— the Quick Copy, Quick Scanner, and Quick Fax functions improve operability and minimise error by having a number of pre-set features. Users can select their intended recipient using the MFP’s own address book, thereby reducing the need to manually type in email addresses. Users can use the preview function to confirm selection before proceeding.
- Platform uniformity—with the Smart Operation Panel becoming a standard addition to Ricoh’s device range, administrators and users will appreciate having the same interface and experience whether they are using a specialised wide format or general office MFP.
- Remote monitoring— administrators can quickly configure and easily troubleshoot the device from the Smart Operation Panel over a secured connection through a remote PC.
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