Customizable Display Interface for Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of image forming apparatuses face difficulties in adjusting settings due to the large number of options, with existing simplified display techniques not allowing sufficient customization, requiring users to specify layouts and icons in detail.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with an operating and display unit that displays both detailed and simplified settings, allowing users to select and register function-selection information, enabling easy customization of the simplified display by adding or replacing gadgets through a touch operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simplified display with predetermined function-selection information is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because users cannot customize the display according to their needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting adjustmentVSAvoidcustomization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The simplified display transitions from a static, predetermined configuration to a dynamic, user-customizable interface. Users can register frequently used setting items from the detailed display to appear on the simplified display, and can update these registrations based on changing needs. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while enabling customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to self-customize their own simplified display by selecting and registering their preferred setting items. The registration unit automatically manages the function-selection information based on user selections, eliminating the need for complex layout specification while providing personalized adaptation to each user's workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If detailed setting items are displayed in full, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases making operation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of settingsVSAvoidcomplexity of setting interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The setting interface is segmented into two distinct displays: a detailed display containing all available setting items, and a simplified display showing only registered function-selection information. This segmentation allows users to access complete settings when needed while having a streamlined interface for routine operations, effectively reducing perceived complexity without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The simplified display extracts and displays only the most frequently used setting items from the complete detailed display. Users can register specific items to be extracted and displayed on the simplified view, separating essential quick-access settings from less frequently used options, thereby reducing interface complexity while maintaining full access to all settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If predetermined function-selection information is displayed, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases as user-specific preferences cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of displayVSAvoiduser preference information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where user selections from the detailed display are registered and reflected on the simplified display. The registration unit processes user input and updates the function-selection information accordingly, ensuring that user preferences are captured and maintained. This feedback loop prevents information loss by continuously adapting the simplified display to match user-specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Users can pre-register their frequently used setting items before actual operation begins. The registration unit stores these preliminary selections, allowing the simplified display to be customized in advance according to user preferences. This preliminary action ensures that user-specific information is preserved and readily available from the start of usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8384953B2Image forming apparatus, information registration method, and computer program product

Publication Date: 2013.02.26 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an operating and display unit that displays information and receives inputs entered by a user; a display control unit that displays, on the operating and display unit, a detailed display, on which setting contents of setting items are specifiable, and a simplified display that contains function-selection information that represents setting contents of a predetermined setting item among the setting items displayed on the detailed display in a manner that setting contents of the predetermined setting item are specifiable; an input control unit that receives selection of a desired setting item made on the detailed display displayed on the operating and display unit; and a registration unit that registers the function-selection information of the setting item, the selection of which has been received, on the simplified display.