Dual-Language Display Interface for Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users, particularly foreigners, face difficulties in using image forming apparatuses with Japanese interfaces, as they struggle to switch languages due to varied input methods and potential miscommunication between users and store staff with different native languages, leading to inefficient operation and assistance.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a dual-language display feature, allowing users to select their preferred language and simultaneously displaying function items in both user and manager languages, enabling side-by-side display on a common screen to facilitate understanding and assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If language switching is implemented through key input or voice input, then foreigners can understand display content, but the operation becomes complex and varies by model, making it difficult for users to operate without explanation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage supportVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the user's language needs and switches the display language without requiring manual input operations. The image forming apparatus monitors user interactions and autonomously changes the interface language, eliminating the need for users to know specific key sequences or voice commands for language switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple languages are pre-configured in the system, and the apparatus prepares language switching capabilities in advance. The system stores multiple language packs and readiness to switch languages immediately when detection triggers, so users don't need to perform any setup or input operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If display language is switched to a foreign language, then foreigners can understand the interface, but store staff who speak only Japanese cannot understand the display information to provide assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage supportVSAvoidcommunication understanding

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system adds a temporal dimension to language display by showing multiple languages sequentially at different time intervals. The display switches between Japanese and foreign language versions of the same information, allowing both foreign users and Japanese staff to understand the content at different moments in time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The language display follows a periodic pattern, alternating between Japanese and foreign languages at regular intervals. This rhythmic switching ensures that both language groups receive the information they need while maintaining a predictable pattern that users can adapt to.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If language switching requires specific input operations, then language can be changed, but users must know the correct input method which varies by model, leading to operation delays and frustration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage switching capabilityVSAvoidtime to switch language

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical input operations (key presses, voice commands) with an automated detection mechanism. Sensors and software monitor user behavior patterns, device selection, and interaction styles to automatically infer and switch to the appropriate language, eliminating the time-consuming manual switching process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If the interface is provided in Japanese only, then the apparatus is simple to manufacture and operate, but foreigners cannot understand the display content without assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface simplicityVSAvoidlanguage support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is designed to perform multiple language functions within a single unified interface framework. The same base interface structure supports multiple languages through software configuration rather than requiring separate physical interfaces for each language, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving multi-language capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10536595B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.01.14 SHARP KK

AI summary

Provided is an image forming apparatus that includes an input unit to which given function selection and information are input, a display unit that displays a plurality of display items each including a function selection item, a language selection unit that selects a user selection language understandable to a user and a manager selection language understandable to a manager, and a display switching unit that switches a language of the display items displayed on the display unit through selection input to the input unit. Two-language simultaneous display, in which each of the display items displayed on the display unit is displayed by using both languages of the user selection language and the manager selection language, and single-language display, in which each of the display items is displayed by using only the user selection language, are switchable.