Image-Forming Display Hierarchy for Finding Changed Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of multiple setting items in image forming apparatuses makes it difficult for users to easily find the setting items that have been entered.

Innovation Solution

A display control device that includes a display section and a display controller, which displays a first image representing category items and a second image representing setting items, allowing the display section to show a predetermined image based on the entered setting items, with mark or numerical images indicating changed settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple setting items are provided in the image forming apparatus, then the functionality and versatility of the apparatus is improved, but the difficulty of finding entered setting items increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddifficulty of finding setting items

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The setting items are segmented into multiple categories (e.g., image quality settings, paper settings, finishing settings). The display controller organizes setting items by category and displays category items in the main area and detailed setting items in the sub area, enabling users to navigate through numerous setting items systematically by first selecting relevant categories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Category items serve as intermediary elements between the user and detailed setting items. The display controller uses category items as mediators to organize and present setting items, allowing users to access detailed settings through category hierarchies rather than facing a flat list of all settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If detailed setting images are displayed to show all setting items, then the completeness of setting information is improved, but the complexity of the display increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of setting items displayedVSAvoiddisplay complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into a main area for displaying category items and a sub area for displaying detailed setting items. This segmentation allows the system to present comprehensive setting information across multiple display regions rather than attempting to show all settings in a single complex interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface transitions from a two-dimensional flat display of all setting items to a hierarchical structure with main area and sub area representing different levels of detail. This dimensional organization allows comprehensive setting information to be displayed in an organized, navigable manner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250238178A1Display control device and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A display control device includes a display section and a display controller. The display controller controls the display section so as to cause the display section to display a first image (703a to 703f) and a second image. The first image (703a to 703f) is displayed in an upper layer for the second image. The first image (703a to 703f) represents a category item. The second image represents a setting item belonging to the category item. The display controller controls the display section so as to cause the display section to display a predetermined image (705) in the first image (703a to 703f) according to the setting item that has been entered.