Image Forming Apparatus Screen Control for Power-Saving Return

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multifunction peripherals require users to select a desired function after returning from a power-saving state, leading to unnecessary operational steps as a default screen is displayed every time, which is inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus that automatically returns to an active state upon detecting an original document and displays a function-specific screen based on the presence of an external memory device, reducing user operations by determining the return cause and displaying appropriate screens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a default screen is displayed whenever the apparatus returns to the active state from the power-saving state, then the apparatus can maintain a simple power-saving mechanism, but the user has to select a desired function from the default screen and set details of the function, increasing operational steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic return to active stateVSAvoiduser operation steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs preliminary detection of the original document placement in the power-saving state, and prepares the appropriate operation screen in advance. When returning to the active state, the system already has the relevant screen ready to display, eliminating the need for users to navigate from a default screen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus serves itself by automatically detecting the presence of an original document and autonomously determining which operation screen to display. The system uses its own detection capabilities to make decisions about the user interface, reducing reliance on manual user input for screen selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by stationary object

If the apparatus displays a default screen upon returning from power-saving state, then the power-saving mode can be implemented simply, but the user experience is degraded due to unnecessary operational steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption in power-saving stateVSAvoidtime for user operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs document detection and screen preparation actions while in the power-saving state or during the transition back to active state. This preliminary action ensures that when the user needs to operate the apparatus, the appropriate screen is already displayed, eliminating wasted time on unnecessary navigation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the detected state. When an original document is detected, the system transitions to displaying a specific operation screen relevant to document processing. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both power consumption and user interaction time based on actual usage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the apparatus always displays a default screen when returning from power-saving state, then the system logic remains simple, but the adaptability to different user needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen control logicVSAvoidscreen display adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus applies different screen display qualities based on the local condition of original document presence. When a document is detected, a specific document-related operation screen is displayed. When no document is present, the default screen is shown. This localized adaptation of screen content based on detected conditions enhances versatility without significantly complicating the overall system logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the operational context (original document presence) before determining the screen to display. This advance detection allows the apparatus to adapt its interface to user needs while maintaining relatively simple control logic, as the detection and decision-making process is automated and condition-based.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9270851B2Image forming apparatus method and storage medium storing program for controlling display when the image forming appratus returns to an active state from a power-saving state

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus which includes a reading unit and allows an external memory device to be attached the apparatus, displays, on a display unit, a screen for performing a function using the reading unit and the external memory device when the image forming apparatus returns to the active state from the power-saving state depending on a cause for returning, if the cause for returning is that an original document is placed on the reading unit, and the external memory device is attached. The image forming apparatus also displays a default screen on the display unit when the image forming apparatus returns to the active state from the power-saving state, if the cause for returning is that an original document is placed on the reading unit, and the external memory device is not attached.