Display Device Dual Input Menu Layout for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in displaying a large number of setting items on a small screen due to limited space, requiring multiple hierarchical levels that complicate quick setting checks, which is inefficient for productivity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a touch panel and a mouse as input units allows for a display device that can show a large number of menus on one screen, with the touch panel displaying items in a larger format and the mouse enabling more items to be displayed in a smaller space, reducing hierarchical levels and facilitating quicker menu navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a small display unit is used to fit the space constraints of the image forming apparatus, then the device can be compact and fit within space restrictions, but the number of menus that can be displayed on one screen is limited, requiring multiple hierarchical levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by switching from a touch panel interface (2D spatial navigation) to a mouse interface (point-and-click navigation in virtual space). The mouse allows the display device to present a flat, expanded menu structure where all menus are accessible in a single screen view, effectively adding a virtual dimension for menu organization that transcends the physical display area constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two input modes (touch panel and mouse) based on operational needs. When the mouse is detected, the display device transitions to a mouse-operated display mode that shows all menus in a single screen; when the touch panel is used, it shows a simplified view. This dynamic adaptation allows the interface to optimize menu visibility according to the input method being employed.
2Ease of operation
If multiple hierarchical levels of menus are used to organize setting items, then the menu structure becomes organized and manageable, but the time and effort required to check current settings and reach desired menus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse interface introduces a virtual navigation dimension where all menu items can be displayed simultaneously in a single screen view. The mouse pointer can rapidly jump between menu items without requiring sequential navigation through hierarchical levels, effectively flattening the menu structure and allowing all settings to be viewed and accessed in one screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares and displays all menu items in advance in a single screen when mouse operation is detected. This preliminary presentation of all options eliminates the need for users to navigate through multiple hierarchical levels to find settings, allowing immediate viewing and selection of any menu item without sequential navigation.
3Ease of operation
If the display device is designed for touch panel operation with large display items, then finger operation is facilitated, but the number of buttons that can be arranged in one screen is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display device dynamically adjusts its interface configuration based on the detected input method. When a mouse is detected, the system switches to a mouse-operated display mode with smaller, more densely packed menu items that maximize the number of visible options. When only touch panel operation is available, it maintains a simplified layout with larger touch-friendly elements. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes screen utilization according to the input method being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different display qualities to different input modes: the touch panel mode uses large, spaced-out elements optimized for finger interaction, while the mouse mode uses smaller, densely packed elements optimized for pointer precision. This local quality differentiation allows each interface to be optimized for its specific input method while maintaining overall system functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
To enable display of many menus on a menu screen of a display unit without impairing operability and facilitate retrieval of desired setting menu, a display device allowing operation by two or more different input units including a first and a second input units includes a display unit for performing at least menu display, and a control unit for controlling the input units and for controlling display and/or operation output of the display unit according to operation of the input units, wherein the control unit is capable of displaying, on the display unit, a first input unit operation screen that accommodates operation by the first input unit and includes display of a setting item, and a second input unit operation screen that accommodates operation by the second input unit and includes display of a larger number of setting items than the first input unit operation screen.