Dynamic Soft Key Display for Multifunction Peripheral Interface Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing apparatuses, such as multifunction peripherals (MFPs), require cumbersome setting operations each time they are used, and existing solutions like document management systems do not effectively manage operation history settings, leading to inefficient user interactions.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a display unit and a setting unit that allow users to set display conditions for soft keys on the screen, enabling the overlap or non-overlap of functions between application and history buttons, allowing users to select functions based on their needs, thereby optimizing the home screen layout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the second soft key is displayed in the second display area according to user needs, then the adaptability of the interface is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple display configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface adaptabilityVSAvoiddisplay configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit dynamically adjusts the display of soft keys based on user selection and operational context. The second soft key is conditionally displayed in the second display area according to display conditions set by the user, allowing the interface to adapt between showing history buttons or function buttons without requiring multiple physical configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The second display area serves multiple functions: it can display either the second soft key for history buttons or for function buttons depending on the display conditions. This multi-functional design allows a single display area to fulfill different user needs without adding additional physical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If users can select between history buttons and function buttons in the second display area, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to conditional display logic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton selection easeVSAvoidconditional display logic

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit dynamically switches between displaying history buttons and function buttons in the second display area based on user preferences and operational context. This dynamic adjustment allows users to easily access their preferred functionality without navigating through complex menus or configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages the display of different button types based on pre-set display conditions and user preferences. The conditional display logic operates autonomously, selecting and displaying the appropriate soft key without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10965826B2Method for controlling information processing apparatus and storage medium

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 CANON KK

AI summary

A first soft key for use of a function that differs from a function available by selecting a second soft key displayed in a second display area of an information processing apparatus or a first soft key for use of a function that is the same as a function available by selecting a second soft key displayed in the second display area is displayed in a first display area displayed together with the second display area in accordance with a display condition.