Gamified Touchscreen Interface for Multifunction Peripheral Wait Times
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction peripherals (MFPs) user interaction is unengaging during wait periods for background processing tasks, leading to frustration and boredom, as existing touchscreen interfaces do not provide interactive elements to keep users engaged.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a gamification interface in MFPs using an intelligent controller with a touchscreen interface that generates interactive graphical images, such as a virtual fortune cookie, allowing users to receive and share user fortunes during wait times, enhancing user engagement through game-design elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional touchscreen interface is used for document processing, then the device can perform basic functions, but users experience boredom and frustration during wait periods
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual fortune cookie application serves as an intermediary element on the touchscreen interface. During background processing tasks, users can interact with the fortune cookie game, which provides entertainment and reduces perceived wait time. The fortune cookie appears as a graphical object on the touchscreen that users can tap to receive fortunes, creating a mediating interaction layer between the user and the waiting process.
2Ease of operation
If the touchscreen interface adds interactive gamification elements, then user engagement improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touchscreen interface is designed to serve multiple functions: it displays document processing controls, shows status information, and presents gamification elements like the virtual fortune cookie. By making the touchscreen a multi-functional interface that can display both utility information and entertainment content, the system adds engagement without requiring separate dedicated hardware for gaming features.
Solution Approach 2:
The gamification elements are implemented as lightweight software applications rather than permanent system features. The virtual fortune cookie is a self-contained application that can be added or removed from the interface without affecting core device functionality. This allows the system to provide engaging interactive elements while maintaining the ability to simplify the interface if needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for gamification of multifunction peripherals includes an intelligent controller having a processor and memory. A touchscreen user interface configured to receive a document processing instruction from an associated user. Electronic images of user fortunes are stored in memory. The processor monitors background tasks on the controller after receipt of a document processing instruction from the user and generates a user interactive graphical image of a tangible object on the touch screen. When a user touches the image on the touch screen, it then displays a user fortune image of a fortune.