Display Controller Recommending Simple Screen for Printer Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of multifunctional service providing apparatuses, such as printers, often select the normal service mode even though the simple service mode, which offers fewer but easier-to-use functions, is sufficient for their needs, leading to inefficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A display control device that includes a memory for storing data of both normal and simple screens, and a display controller that recommends the use of the simple screen when all functions set in the normal screen are also available in the simple screen, thereby guiding users to utilize the simpler interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the normal service mode is provided with comprehensive functions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice function coverageVSAvoidscreen function complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The service functions are segmented into two distinct screen modes: normal service mode with comprehensive functions and simple service mode with limited functions. This segmentation allows the system to provide full adaptability when needed while offering a simplified interface for basic operations, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive function coverage and interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between normal and simple service modes based on user selection and operational context. The display controller adapts the screen content and function availability in real-time, allowing the interface complexity to change according to the user's needs rather than being fixed, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the normal service mode is used, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice function availabilityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is segmented into two operational modes: normal service mode for users needing comprehensive functions and simple service mode for users requiring ease of operation. This segmentation ensures that users are not overwhelmed by unnecessary complex options when performing basic tasks, while still providing full functionality when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the interface complexity based on the selected service mode. In simple service mode, only essential functions are displayed and enabled, reducing cognitive load and improving ease of operation. When normal service mode is selected, the full range of functions becomes available, maintaining adaptability while respecting user choice.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the simple service mode is provided, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface simplicityVSAvoidfunction coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display control device is designed to universally support both simple and normal service modes within a single system. The same hardware platform can adaptively provide either simplified or comprehensive functionality based on user selection, making the system universally applicable to different user needs without requiring separate devices for each service level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive functions are displayed on the screen, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice function coverageVSAvoiduser operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10367958B2Display control device, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for recommending that a user use a simple screen rather than a normal screen

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A display control device and method configured to recommend, at proper times, that a user use a simple screen rather than a normal screen and increase effective utilization of the simple screen. A normal screen and a simple screen may be displayed for accepting a setting operation. A recommendation may be displayed that a user use the simple screen at proper times, including but not limited to, if every function set by the user on the normal screen is settable on the simple screen, if a setting period exceeds a certain value, if a ratio of functions settable on the simple screen to set functions that is calculated from the operation history regarding the plurality of setting operations is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, if a predetermined number of functions on the normal screen match functions in the operation history information, or by using operation history, acquired information about the set function, a set value, or a setting period.