Image Forming System Operation Section Color Matching

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems struggle to intuitively convey to operators where operations are required, especially when the reading section is positioned lower than the operation section and their colors differ.

Innovation Solution

The image forming system includes a body portion with an image forming section, an image input section on the upper side, a reading section in an inclined portion straddling the body and image input section, and an operation section adjacent to the reading section with a color matching the reading section's outer surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the reading section is positioned lower than the operation section and their colors are different, then the structural layout is simplified, but the visual indication of the operation area to the operator becomes less intuitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintuitiveness of operation area indicationVSAvoidcolor matching configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation section is configured to have a color similar to the outer side surface color of the reading section. This color matching creates a strong visual relationship between the two sections, making it intuitive for operators to identify where operations are required. The reading section's outer side surface has a specific color, and the operation section is designed to match this color, providing clear visual guidance without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If the operation section is disposed adjacent to the reading section with color matching, then the visual relationship between sections is strengthened, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual relationship between sectionsVSAvoidcolor coordination process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The operation section is configured to have a color similar to the outer side surface color of the reading section. This color matching creates a strong visual relationship between the two sections, making it intuitive for operators to identify where operations are required. The reading section's outer side surface has a specific color, and the operation section is designed to match this color, providing clear visual guidance without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250126215A1Image forming system

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming system includes a body portion including an image forming section that forms an image on a medium; an image input section that inputs an image and is provided on an upper side of the body portion in an up-down direction; a reading section that reads information stored in a storage medium and is provided in an inclined portion that straddles the body portion and the image input section and is inclined with a rising gradient from a front side that corresponds to a front surface of the body portion toward a rear side; and an operation section that receives an operation by an operator, is disposed at a position adjacent to the reading section with an operation surface disposed along an outer side surface of the reading section, and has a color similar to a color of the outer side surface of the reading section.