Document Interface Icons with Visual Completion Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in tracking the progress of tasks when working on multiple document operations in information processing systems, as existing systems lack a clear visual indication of completed tasks, leading to confusion upon resuming interrupted work.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a display unit that adds a visual mark (such as a check mark) to icons in the work tool bar when a user performs a job, allowing users to visually track completed tasks and resume work easily by displaying icons in a distinguishable mode, with options for adding marks to the last pressed icon or all pressed icons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple document operations are performed without visual indicators, then the system maintains simplicity in interface design, but users cannot track task progress and experience confusion when resuming work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by displaying checked icons in a different color (e.g., grayed out or highlighted) compared to unchecked icons. This visual differentiation allows users to track task progress through color cues without adding complex interface elements, resolving the contradiction between information retention and interface simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the icon display by adding check marks to specific icons based on task completion status. This segmentation creates distinct visual groups (completed vs. pending tasks) within the interface, enabling progress tracking while maintaining the existing icon-based simple interface structure
2Productivity
If manual recording of task progress is required, then the interface remains simple without additional visual elements, but user time and effort increase for tracking and resuming work
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically updating icon check marks based on job completion status. When a document operation is completed, the corresponding icon automatically displays a check mark without requiring user intervention, thereby eliminating manual tracking time and improving work resumption efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing immediate visual confirmation (check marks) when tasks are completed. This automatic feedback loop informs users of their progress without requiring them to manually record or track tasks, reducing time loss and improving productivity
3Ease of operation
If all icons are displayed in the same mode, then the interface maintains consistency and simplicity, but users cannot easily identify which tasks have been completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes to differentiate completed tasks from pending ones by applying distinct visual styles (such as grayed out or highlighted) to checked icons. This allows users to easily identify task status through color cues while maintaining interface consistency and avoiding excessive display mode complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry by treating completed and pending icons differently through the addition of check marks and visual differentiation. This asymmetric treatment enables easy task identification while maintaining overall interface simplicity by applying the differentiation only where necessary (on completed tasks)
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a display and a controller. The display displays a document and displays a list of multiple graphic symbols respectively indicating multiple jobs with respect to the document. In a case where any one of the multiple graphic symbols is selected, the controller displays the selected graphic symbol in a distinguishable mode from another non-selected graphic symbol.