Hierarchical Display Interface for Function Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of image processing apparatuses face difficulty in selecting between simple and full-function applications, leading to increased operational burden due to the lack of clear differentiation between frequently and infrequently used functions, which complicates setting operations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is configured to display frequently used functions on a shallow layer screen and all functions on a deeper layer screen, allowing users to easily access high-frequency settings while providing detailed options for less frequently used functions, improving operability and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all functions are displayed on a single screen, then users can access detailed settings for all functions, but the screen becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the function display into multiple hierarchical screens: a simple display screen showing only high-frequency functions and a detailed display screen showing all functions. This segmentation allows users to access complete functionality when needed while maintaining operational simplicity for common tasks, directly resolving the contradiction between function completeness and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the display structure, transitioning from a single flat screen to a multi-level screen system. Users can navigate between simple display (first level) and detailed display (second level), adding a dimensional layer that accommodates both simplicity and completeness without compromising either.
2Ease of operation
If frequently used functions are displayed separately from infrequently used functions, then frequently used functions become easier to access, but users cannot easily access detailed settings for infrequently used functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested screen structure where the simple display screen contains a reference to the detailed display screen. Users can access detailed settings for any function (including infrequently used ones) by navigating from the simple display through the hierarchical structure, similar to nested dolls where each layer contains access to the next layer's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-organizes functions by frequency of use before user interaction. High-frequency functions are prominently displayed on the simple screen, and the system pre-establishes the hierarchical pathway to detailed settings, allowing users to access detailed information efficiently without searching through a flat structure.
3Ease of operation
If the display shows only high-frequency functions, then the display becomes simple and easy to operate, but users cannot access settings for low-frequency functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical screen structure as an intermediary between the simple display of high-frequency functions and the detailed settings of all functions. This intermediary layer (the detailed display screen) mediates access to low-frequency function settings while maintaining the simplicity of the primary display, allowing users to navigate to detailed settings when needed without complicating the primary interface.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus switches and displays, on a display unit, a first screen displaying a display component indicating each function of a first function group having a relatively high order among functions included in an application, a second screen displaying a display component indicating each function of a second function group including the first function group and a function group having an order lower than the first function group, a first setting screen receiving a setting of a first function included in the first function group displayed on the first screen and displaying a setting having a relatively high order in the first function, and a second setting screen receiving a setting of the first function included in the second function group displayed on the second screen and displaying more settings of the first function than the setting of the first function displayed on the first setting screen.