Operation Console Two-Sided Copy Animation Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to understand the contents of two-sided/one-sided and one-sided/two-sided copy processes in existing image forming apparatuses, as these processes are not clearly represented by icons alone.
Innovation Solution
An operation console with a display unit showing virtual keys for selecting processes, a receiving unit for input operations, and a display control unit that displays detailed images of the selected process in a separate area, including animation to clarify the process, and an icon that indicates the process next to the virtual keys, which can be made less visible to draw attention to the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If icons are used to represent two-sided copy processes, then the interface is simplified and space is saved, but the user cannot easily understand the contents of the processes
Solution Approach 1:
An animation image is introduced as an intermediary between the virtual key and the process explanation. The animation image visually demonstrates the copy process (e.g., showing document feeding direction, printing sides, and stacking order) without requiring complex text or diagrams, thus maintaining interface simplicity while improving understandability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses animation images that copy and simulate the actual copy process visually. Instead of using static icons that merely represent the process, the animation creates a dynamic copy of the actual copying action, allowing users to understand the process by watching a visual reproduction of it.
2Ease of operation
If detailed process images are displayed to improve understanding, then user convenience is improved, but the display area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is segmented into distinct functional areas: a first area for displaying virtual keys and icons, and a second area for displaying animation images. This segmentation allows detailed process visualization without interfering with the compact layout of control elements, as each area serves its specific purpose independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional static icon representation to two-dimensional animated sequence representation. By using time-based animation within the same display plane, the system provides detailed process information without requiring additional physical display space or multiple screens.
3Ease of operation
If icons are made less visible to draw attention to the image, then the selected process is highlighted, but the icon information becomes harder to recognize
Solution Approach 1:
The icon's visibility is dynamically adjusted based on the user's selection state. When a virtual key is selected, the corresponding icon transitions from a clearly visible state to a less visible state, guiding user attention to the animation image while maintaining the icon's presence as a reference. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the icon less visible only when necessary for highlighting the selected process.
Data Source
AI summary
In an operation unit, a display panel displays a two-sided copy setting screen image including a still image display area on which a plurality of software keys (two-sided copy setting keys) corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of processes (one-sided/one-sided copy process, one-sided/two-sided copy process, two-sided/two-sided copy process and two-sided/one-sided copy process), for selecting any of the plurality of processes, are displayed. A touch-panel receives an input operation to the plurality of software keys. In response to the touch-panel receiving the input operation, a CPU displays, on a movie display area different from the still image display area of the two-sided copy setting screen image, an image representing contents of the selected process in a prescribed state.