Image Forming Apparatus Operation Mode Display Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses lack a clear indication of the current operation mode, requiring users to manually confirm the mode before processing, which can lead to confusion and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an operation mode determination section, display section, image determination section, and utilization calculation section that displays the current operation mode and supporting information, using calculated utilization to determine the image and icon displayed, and optionally using a light source to indicate the mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus operates in multiple operation modes without clear indication, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must manually confirm the mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by displaying operation mode information using different colors to represent different operation modes. The display section shows visual indicators where color variations help users quickly identify the current operation mode without complex interactions, resolving the contradiction by enhancing ease of operation through intuitive visual feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary display interface that mediates between the internal operation mode state and the user's perception. The display section acts as an intermediary element that translates the abstract operation mode into visible visual information, allowing users to confirm the mode at a glance without adding mechanical complexity to the apparatus.
2Loss of information
If the apparatus displays detailed operation mode information, then the loss of information is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation mode information into distinct visual elements including icons, colors, and text labels. The display section divides the information presentation into manageable components that can be processed independently, ensuring complete information transmission to users without requiring a monolithic complex display system.
Solution Approach 2:
The display section serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays operation mode information, shows supporting information for user operations, and provides visual feedback. This multi-functionality reduces information loss by consolidating multiple information streams into a single universal display interface, avoiding the need for separate specialized components for each function.
3Productivity
If the apparatus requires manual confirmation of operation mode, then the reliability is improved by ensuring user awareness, but the productivity deteriorates due to additional confirmation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by displaying the operation mode information before the user executes any printing or copying operations. The display section presents the current mode and supporting information in advance, allowing users to mentally prepare and confirm the appropriate mode without interrupting the workflow with manual verification steps, thus improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by providing continuous visual information about the current operation mode through the display section. This feedback mechanism ensures users are always aware of the active mode without requiring active confirmation, creating a natural feedback loop that maintains reliability through awareness while preserving productivity by eliminating explicit confirmation steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus include an operation mode determination section, a display section, an image determination section and a display controller. The operation mode determination section determines a current operation mode among a plurality of operation modes for executing an image forming processing. The display section displays an image. The image determination section determines an image indicating the operation mode determined by the operation mode determination section. The display controller displays an image determined by the image determination section and information for supporting an operation by a user relating to the image forming processing on the display section.