Image Forming Apparatus Dynamic Operating Section Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses limit user convenience by restricting operations to specific sections, such as touch panels for selection and numerical input buttons, without allowing flexible use of different operating sections according to user preference or context.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an image forming section, a displaying section, an in-screen operating section, an out-screen operating section, and a controller that determines the appropriate operating section based on user instructions, usage history, and power saving mode to enable flexible operation across touch panels and button groups, optimizing user experience and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If operations are restricted to specific sections (touch panel for selection, numerical input buttons for numbers), then each section has a dedicated function, but user convenience is reduced and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each operating section (touch panel and numerical input buttons) to perform multiple functions. The touch panel can accept both function selections and numerical inputs, while the numerical input buttons can also be used for function selections. This multi-functionality allows users to operate the device according to their preference and context, improving both operational flexibility and user convenience.
2Reliability
If all operations are performed with hardware keys when touch panel fails, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to loss of touchscreen convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic operating mode switching mechanism where the system can transition between touch panel mode and hardware key mode based on user selection or touch panel status. The controller determines which operating section to use based on user instructions and usage history, allowing the system to adapt dynamically between modes rather than being fixed. This ensures reliability through hardware key fallback while preserving ease of operation through touch panel convenience when available.
3Ease of operation
If multiple operating sections are always available, then user convenience is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between operating modes based on power saving requirements and usage history. The controller determines whether to enable both operating sections or restrict to one based on power consumption considerations. When power saving is needed, the system can disable the touch panel or limit its functionality, reducing power consumption while maintaining operational convenience through the remaining active section.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the operating sections based on usage history and power saving mode. The controller monitors usage patterns and adjusts which sections remain active, modifying the system's operational state to balance convenience and power consumption. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize power usage while maintaining user convenience through intelligent section selection.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section, a displaying section, an in-screen operating section, an out-screen operating section, and a controller. The image forming section is configured to form an image on a sheet. The displaying section is configured to display an operation screen for image formation performed by the image forming section. The in-screen operating section is configured to accept a user's operation inside the operation screen displayed by the displaying section. The out-screen operating section is configured to accept the user's operation outside the operation screen displayed by the displaying section. The controller is configured to determine, based on a user's instruction, an operating section that accepts the user's operation from the in-screen operating section and the out-screen operating section.