Image Forming Apparatus Animation Display Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses impair user experience by suddenly displaying pop-up screens during mode switching or when operations are not accepted, leading to disrupted usability and uncertainty about processing times.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control device that determines the predictability of processing time, using animation displays for predictable times and pop-up displays for unpredictable times, with adjustable display durations based on processing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a pop-up screen is displayed suddenly on the operation panel during mode switching, then the user is notified of the mode change, but the user's smooth operational feeling or usability is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static sudden pop-up display to a dynamic animation display that evolves over time. The animation gradually changes the window size and position, creating a smooth visual transition that informs users of mode changes without abrupt interruptions, thereby maintaining operational comfort while achieving notification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by preparing the animation sequence in advance before the actual mode switching occurs. The animation window is pre-configured with its transformation path and timing, so that when mode switching is needed, the smooth animation can immediately begin, providing advance visual guidance rather than sudden notification.
2Loss of information
If a message box is displayed indicating that user's operation input is not accepted, then the user is notified of the processing status, but the user cannot know how long to wait, impairing usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by making the animation window's progression directly correlated with the processing status. As the animation evolves through its sequence, it provides continuous visual feedback about the processing progress, allowing users to understand both the status and the remaining time without explicit numerical indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through the rhythmic, sequential display of animation frames. The animation progresses through predetermined intervals, creating a periodic visual pattern that helps users gauge the passage of time and understand processing duration, transforming uncertain waiting into a measurable visual progression.
3Ease of operation
If animation display is used for predictable processing times, then user experience is improved with smooth visual feedback, but the display time is extended compared to simple pop-up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the animation display duration based on the predicted processing time. The system modifies parameters such as animation speed, number of frames, and transition intervals to match the actual processing duration, ensuring the animation provides sufficient visual feedback without unnecessarily extending the display time beyond what is required for the processing task.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an operation panel serving as a display apparatus and an input apparatus for accepting a request for performing processing and a control unit for controlling display on the operation panel. The control unit performs determination processing for determining whether a time period required for the processing requested to be performed is predictable or not, provides animation display by continuously displaying two or more windows relating to the processing when it is determined that the time period required for the processing is predictable, and provides pop-up display by displaying one window relating to the processing when it is determined that the time period required for the processing is not predictable.