Display Controller Error Recognition for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, operators struggle to recognize operation errors, especially when switching functions during an error, as the display promptly changes without clear indication of the error's occurrence, making it difficult to identify the affected operation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an error detecting portion and a display controller that modifies the display screen based on the presence of an operation error, allowing operators to distinguish between error screens and function switch screens, enabling clear recognition of errors and executable operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display promptly switches to another display upon operator instruction during an operation error, then the operator can access other executable operations, but the operator cannot sufficiently recognize the operation error occurrence
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is segmented into multiple regions: a first display region that continuously shows error information when an error occurs, and a second display region that displays operation statuses. This segmentation allows both error information and operation statuses to be displayed simultaneously without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between accessing executable operations and recognizing error occurrence.
Solution Approach 2:
A display control mechanism acts as an intermediary between the error detection system and the display output. When an error occurs, this intermediary ensures that error information is maintained in the first display region while still allowing the second region to show executable operations, thus mediating between error awareness and operational continuity.
2Productivity
If the display shows other executable operations during an error, then productivity is maintained, but the error information becomes less noticeable
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is divided into distinct regions where error information and executable operation information are presented separately. The first display region maintains error information visibility while the second region shows executable operations, allowing productivity to continue without sacrificing error information visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display have different functional qualities: the first display region is dedicated to error information with high visibility characteristics, while the second region is optimized for showing executable operations. This local differentiation ensures both error awareness and operational continuity are maintained.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions is provided with operating portion to which an operation instruction is inputted by an operator; display portion for displaying an operation guide to the operator; error detecting portion for detecting an occurrence of an operation error; and display controller for causing a screen displayed on the display portion to differ depending on whether or not the error detecting portion is detecting any operation error if an operation instruction is inputted to the operation portion by the operator.