Image Forming Apparatus Launcher Area Superimposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face increased labor in finding desired functions on devices with numerous icons, as they often need to navigate through multiple screens to access frequently used applications, leading to inefficiencies in operation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that displays shortcut icons for frequently used functions on the current screen without requiring additional user operations by utilizing a controller to superimpose a launcher area with icons on the screen when certain conditions are met, such as a lack of user input over a predetermined time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the home screen is not displayed or a different screen is displayed, then the current function can be accessed, but the user needs to issue additional instructions to navigate to the desired icon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays a thumbnail image of the home screen in advance within the current screen display area. This preliminary action allows users to see available icons without navigating away from the current screen, enabling direct selection and reducing navigation time while maintaining ease of accessing functions.
2Ease of operation
If shortcut icons are displayed on the current screen, then user operations are reduced, but the screen layout becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a thumbnail image of the home screen within the current screen display area, effectively using a nested dimension approach. This allows shortcut icons to be displayed without adding external complexity, as the thumbnail is integrated into the existing screen layout rather than requiring separate navigation screens or complex overlay structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus having a first function of performing first processing based on image data obtained by reading a document, and a second function of performing second processing based on image data obtained by reading a document includes a controller including a processor that displays, on the display unit, a first setting screen for setting a setting value to be used for a job of the first function, displays, on a display unit, an object for accepting a user operation for displaying a second setting screen for setting a setting value to be used for a job of the second function together with at least a part of the first setting screen upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition in a state where the first setting screen is displayed and no user operation is accepted, and displays the second setting screen on the display unit upon selection of the object.