Hierarchical Command Interface for Multifunction Peripheral Operability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction peripherals with numerous functions make it difficult for users to quickly find and execute desired setting or execution items, even for experienced users, due to the large number of options displayed on the screen.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a hierarchical organization of functional information, where high-order commands are displayed in a first frame and low-order commands are displayed in a second frame, allowing users to select and execute specific functions through a structured command input screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a list of short-cut functions is displayed on the display panel, then function registration or setting change can be easily performed, but it is not easy to find a desired setting item or execution item from the list
Solution Approach 1:
The setting items are segmented into multiple pages, with each page displaying a limited number of items (e.g., 5 items per page). Users can navigate between pages to access different sets of functions, making it easier to locate specific items without being overwhelmed by a long list.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for organizing functions by adding a page navigation dimension. Instead of presenting all functions in a single linear list, functions are distributed across multiple pages, allowing users to navigate through pages to find desired items, thereby reducing the cognitive load and improving search efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image processing apparatuses have a lot of functions, then versatility is improved, but the number of setting items and execution items increases making it not easy to reach a desired item
Solution Approach 1:
The large number of setting items is segmented across multiple pages, with each page containing a manageable subset of items. This segmentation allows users to access desired items more efficiently by navigating through pages rather than searching through a comprehensive list, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite increased versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The display dynamically adapts to the number of available functions by automatically creating additional pages as needed. The system adjusts the total number of pages based on the actual number of setting items, ensuring that the interface remains user-friendly regardless of the apparatus's versatility level.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a display panel, a storage medium, first and second display processing portions, and a function execution processing portion. A plurality of pieces of functional information organized in hierarchical layers are stored in the storage medium. The first display processing portion displays high-order commands in a first display frame, the high-order commands corresponding to the pieces of functional information that belong to a high-order layer. The second display processing portion, when a high-order command has been selected, displays low-order commands in a second display frame, the low-order commands corresponding to the pieces of functional information of a low-order layer that belongs to the high-order command. The function execution processing portion, when the high-order command has been selected and a low-order command has been selected, executes a function corresponding to a specific piece of functional information that is common to the selected commands.