Customizable Display Interface for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display apparatuses for image forming devices face challenges in customizing the arrangement and number of operation keys, particularly in embedded systems where space constraints limit the display of all available functions and setting values, making it difficult for users to create an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with a layout specifying information storage unit, display mode information storage unit, function list display unit, screen generating unit, and arrangement determining unit that allows users to customize the arrangement of function-setting components on the operation screen, enabling easy selection and arrangement of functions and setting values based on usage frequency and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all operation keys are displayed on one screen, then the user can access all functions, but the screen becomes cluttered and difficult to use in embedded apparatuses with limited display area
Solution Approach 1:
The operation keys are divided into multiple screens. The first screen displays frequently used functions, while the second screen displays less frequently used functions. This segmentation allows all functions to be accessible while maintaining UI usability on each individual screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The display apparatus dynamically switches between multiple screens based on user interaction. When a user selects a function not available on the current screen, the system transitions to display the appropriate additional screen, making the interface adaptive to user needs while maintaining simplicity on each screen.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all operation keys corresponding to all functions are displayed, then complete functionality is available, but setting values for each function cannot be customized
Solution Approach 1:
The setting values are segmented and associated with specific functions. Users can customize settings for individual functions without affecting other functions. This allows complete functionality to be maintained while enabling selective customization of setting values for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operation keys are freely arranged one by one, then high degree of freedom in customizing is achieved, but the customizing process becomes troublesome for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines multiple display patterns for operation keys. Users can select from these pre-configured patterns rather than creating custom arrangements from scratch. This maintains customization freedom while significantly reducing the effort required, as users only need to select rather than manually arrange keys.
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus which displays an operation screen of one or more function-setting components including setting information of a function of an application. The apparatus includes a function list display unit which displays a list of functions for each application software; layout specifying information specifying a layout of the function-setting components on the operation screen; display mode information defining a display mode of setting information and the setting information for each function; a screen generating unit which generates a function-setting component list screen which displays in a list the function-setting component of the function; and an arrangement determining unit which determines an arrangement in the operation screen of a function-setting component to be arranged, a selection of which is accepted from the function setting component list screen, and updates the layout specifying information with a layout including the function-setting component to be arranged.