Hierarchical Image Display Interface for Multifunction Printer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multifunctional image forming apparatuses, such as those with scanning, printing, copying, and facsimile functions, the deep hierarchical structure of menus complicates user access to desired functions, increasing the number of operations required and reducing user convenience.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a display system with distinct areas for uppermost-level and lower-level images, using coordinate detection to switch between these levels intuitively via swipe gestures, ensuring that uppermost-level images can be changed and first button images remain accessible, while status indicators are consistently displayed outside the primary interaction areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a deep hierarchical structure is used to display multiple functions, then the quantity of information displayed is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased number of operations required
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is segmented into multiple regions (first area for uppermost-level images, second area for first button images, third area for status indicators) to organize information hierarchically while maintaining accessibility. This segmentation allows users to access different function levels without navigating through deep menu structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface transitions from a single-level display to a multi-dimensional hierarchical display where uppermost-level images and lower-level button images coexist in different spatial areas. This dimensional organization enables users to access functions at different hierarchical levels simultaneously, reducing the number of operations required.
2Device complexity
If a hierarchical menu structure is used to organize multiple functions, then the device complexity is reduced through organized structure, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in finding desired functions
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into distinct areas with specific functions: the first area displays uppermost-level images representing different functions, the second area displays first button images for detailed settings, and the third area displays status indicators. This segmentation maintains organizational structure while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Uppermost-level images serve as intermediaries between the main display area and the detailed function settings. When a user selects an uppermost-level image, it mediates the transition to the corresponding first button images, making the hierarchical navigation more intuitive and easier to understand.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hierarchical levels are used to display function settings, then the adaptability is improved by accommodating more functions, but the device complexity increases due to deeper hierarchical structure
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is segmented into multiple functional regions that can independently display different hierarchical levels of information. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate multiple functions and settings without creating a deeply nested hierarchical structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface uses spatial dimensionality to organize hierarchical information, displaying uppermost-level images in the first area and corresponding first button images in the second area simultaneously. This dimensional organization allows the system to handle multiple functions and settings without increasing the depth of the hierarchical structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, including: a display device; a coordinate detecting portion which detects a directed coordinate in a display area including a first area in which is displayed a hierarchy image including uppermost-level images and lower-level images; a first display control section; a second display control section to display at least one first button image; and a third display control section, the uppermost-level images including: a first image in which is displayed at least one second button image; a second image in which is displayed at least one third button image; and a third image, wherein, where the directed coordinate is one of coordinates corresponding to the first through third button images, the third control section displays a lower-level image corresponding to a button image corresponding to the directed coordinate, and wherein the first control section executes processing to display the one uppermost-level image so as to be changed.