Dynamic Icon Switching for Unintended Function Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users may inadvertently execute unintended processing when selecting an icon on a screen without knowing the device state has changed, leading to unintended functions being executed.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with switching units that change the first icon to a second icon upon selection, and further change the second icon to a third icon based on the device state, allowing for dynamic function switching and preventing unintended processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the first icon is switched to a second icon after selection, then the device can execute different functions dynamically, but the user may inadvertently execute unintended processing without knowing the state change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic function switchingVSAvoidintended function execution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying different icons (first icon, second icon, third icon) that correspond to the current device state. When the device state changes after icon selection, the icon is switched to reflect the new state, giving the user continuous feedback about what function will be executed. This prevents inadvertent execution of unintended processing by making the device state transparent to the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The icon switching mechanism dynamically adapts the displayed icon based on the device state. The first icon is switched to a second icon when selected, and then to a third icon when the device state changes. This dynamic icon transformation allows the interface to adapt to changing device states while maintaining user awareness through visual cues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple icons are used to represent different functions, then the interface becomes more versatile, but the interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveicon function representationVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single icon position serves multiple functions by displaying different icons (first icon, second icon, third icon) based on device state. This multi-functional icon design allows the same interface element to represent different functions without requiring separate static icons for each function, thereby reducing overall interface complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The icon dynamically changes its appearance and meaning based on the device state rather than requiring multiple static icons. The icon transforms from the first icon to the second icon to the third icon as the device state progresses, providing a compact and adaptive interface solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11178298B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes first and second switching units. The first switching unit switches, when a first icon displayed on a screen is selected, the first icon to a second icon on the screen. The first icon is used for executing a first function. The second icon is used for executing a second function different from the first function. The second switching unit switches the second icon to a third icon on the screen in accordance with a state of a device. The third icon is used for executing a third function.