Dynamic Soft Key Display for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The usability of image forming apparatuses is compromised when soft keys are fixedly displayed in a common area, leading to user confusion due to either an overwhelming number of keys or a lack of visibility of the desired key, as the required soft key varies with the apparatus's state.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that dynamically changes the buttons displayed in a common display area based on the job status, allowing for context-dependent visibility and accessibility of essential keys like start and stop buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If soft keys are fixedly displayed in a common display area, then the display area is simple and easy to implement, but usability deteriorates due to user confusion and inability to access desired keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the soft key display dynamic rather than fixed. The display content changes automatically based on the current job status (e.g., showing start/stop keys when jobs are suspended, showing other keys when no jobs are suspended). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing the right keys at the right time without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of display content based on job status parameters. When job status changes (e.g., from running to suspended), the system automatically changes which soft keys are displayed in the common display area. This parameter-based adaptation allows the system to maintain simplicity in display control while improving usability by showing relevant keys only.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of soft keys are displayed in a fixed manner, then all possible keys are always visible, but users become confused by excessive key options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary soft keys from the complete set of possible keys and displays them in the common display area based on current job status. For example, when no jobs are suspended, only relevant keys are shown rather than all possible keys. This extraction principle reduces user confusion by presenting a filtered, context-appropriate set of keys while maintaining versatility through automatic adaptation to different job states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the display content specific to the current context (job status) rather than uniformly displaying all keys. The common display area shows different keys depending on whether jobs are running, suspended, or none are suspended. This localized adaptation to specific operational states reduces confusion while maintaining comprehensive key availability when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the number of soft keys displayed is limited to a small number, then user confusion is reduced, but the desired soft key may not be displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring job status and automatically adjusting the display content accordingly. The system detects when jobs are suspended and automatically shows the start/stop keys, and vice versa. This feedback mechanism ensures that the desired keys are always visible when needed, resolving the contradiction between limiting display size and ensuring key visibility through intelligent adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the prior art, it is necessary to display necessary buttons depending on situations if a button for instructing stop/restart of a job common in multiple functions is displayed on a screen. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus comprises: a memory; and at least one processor in communication with the memory and configured to perform: displaying a display screen on an operation unit, the display screen including a display area of an application and a common display area containing a plurality of buttons commonly used in each application; and controlling of changing a button to be displayed in the common display area depending on a job status.