Display Control for Function Buttons Using Grid Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in finding specific function buttons on image processing apparatuses with numerous installed functions, as they often require navigating through multiple screens or scrolling, and struggle to recognize changes in function settings.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a display system that organizes function buttons by attribute, allowing users to point to icons in an icon display area to reveal corresponding function buttons and state information in a function button display area, eliminating the need for multi-class tree structures and scrolling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If function buttons are organized in a multi-class tree structure with scrolling, then all functions can be displayed, but users need to navigate through multiple screens and scroll to find target functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional scrolling list to a two-dimensional grid layout where function buttons are arranged in rows and columns. This dimensional change allows users to scan functions horizontally and vertically rather than scrolling through a long list, significantly improving accessibility and reducing navigation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the display area into multiple functional zones including icon display area, function button display area, and information display area. This segmentation allows different types of information to be presented simultaneously in organized sections, enabling users to find and understand functions more efficiently without overwhelming them with a single large list.
2Adaptability or versatility
If function buttons are displayed in a multi-class tree structure, then functions are organized by category, but users cannot easily recognize when a function setting has changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes and visual indicators to highlight when function settings have changed. By using distinct colors or visual markers for changed settings, users can immediately recognize modifications without having to recall previous states or navigate through multiple screens to verify changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback by displaying current function settings and change indicators directly on the interface. This feedback mechanism allows users to see setting changes in real-time, confirming that their operations have been registered and understood the current state of the system.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple screens are used to display functions, then all functions can be shown, but navigation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple screens into a single comprehensive display by arranging function buttons, icons, and information in a unified grid layout. This consolidation eliminates the need for users to navigate through multiple screens while still displaying all necessary functions and their current states in one accessible view.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing a two-dimensional grid layout with rows and columns, the patent expands the display capacity of a single screen to accommodate numerous functions without requiring additional screens. This dimensional approach maximizes the use of available display space and provides intuitive access to all functions from one screen.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: a display portion that is capable of: displaying in an icon display area, icons that correspond to function buttons for calling out setting screens for setting functions installed on the image processing apparatus, being organized in groups by function attribute; and displaying in a function button display area, function buttons that correspond to some of the icons, which exist at a position that a user points to; a position identification portion that identifies the position that a user points to in the icon display area; and a display controller that makes the display portion display: the icons in the icon display area; the function buttons that correspond to the icons existing at the position identified by the position identification portion, in the function button display area; and state information indicating the current state of at least one of the functions and/or attribute information indicating the current attribute of at least one of the functions, on/near a function button of the function and/or on/near an icon corresponding to this function button.