Numerical Key Unit Layout for Continuous Touchscreen Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with external hardware key options require users to move their hand away from the touch panel to operate the start key, disrupting the smooth operation and impairing the user experience.
Innovation Solution
The input device is designed with the start key positioned on the front side of the numerical key portion, allowing users to input numerical values and initiate processing without changing the direction of their gaze from the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the start key is disposed on the right side of the numerical key portion, then the device layout follows conventional design, but the user must move hand away from touch panel causing poor operating property
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional key layout by placing the start key on the left side of the numerical key portion instead of the right side. This inversion allows users to operate the start key with their left hand while viewing the touch panel display, eliminating the need to move the right hand away from the display area and thereby improving operating property.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the start key from a horizontal arrangement (right side) to a different spatial dimension (left side), creating a new operational dimension that accommodates both touch panel viewing and hardware key operation simultaneously within the user's field of view.
2Ease of operation
If the start key is disposed on the right side of the numerical key portion, then the key layout is simple, but user operation becomes discontinuous requiring hand movement away from display
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the conventional right-side placement to left-side placement, the patent enables continuous operation where the left hand can press the start key while the right hand remains on or near the touch panel display, eliminating discontinuous hand movements and improving operation continuity.
3Area of stationary object
If the numerical key portion and start key are arranged horizontally, then the device width increases, but compact design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains compact device dimensions by inverting the horizontal arrangement to place the start key on the left side of the numerical key portion, allowing both keys to be accessed within a compact footprint while improving key accessibility through optimized spatial positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
An input device is mountable on an image forming apparatus including a display portion capable of displaying information and is a numerical key unit 70 at least including a numerical key portion 110 consisting of a hardware key capable of inputting information on a numerical value and a start key 131 consisting of a hardware key capable of inputting information for starting predetermined processing. The start key 131 is disposed on a front side F than the numerical key portion 110 in a state in which the numerical key unit 70 is mounted on the image forming apparatus.