Image Forming Apparatus Setting UI State Management

Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses often return to an initial screen after a predetermined time, regardless of user intention, causing inconvenience as users must re-set values and navigate menus, and inactivating this feature exposes previous settings to other users.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus temporarily stores user input settings when no manipulation is detected for a predetermined time and re-displays the setting UI upon specific events, such as user login or selection of a shortcut icon, allowing users to resume their tasks without losing settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the image forming apparatus automatically returns to the initial screen after a predetermined time, then security is improved by preventing exposure of settings to other users, but user convenience deteriorates as users must re-navigate menus and re-set values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure of settings to other usersVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically saving the setting state to memory when the user leaves the setting UI. This saved state is then automatically restored when the user returns, eliminating the need for manual re-navigation and re-setting while maintaining security through automatic state preservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by detecting user presence through manipulation input detection. When manipulation input is detected, the system restores the previous setting state, creating a feedback loop that adapts the interface behavior to user needs while maintaining security when users are absent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the image forming apparatus returns to the initial screen when a user leaves, then security is improved, but loss of time occurs as users must re-navigate menus and re-set values

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidtime to re-configure settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically saving the setting state to memory when the user leaves the setting UI. This saved state is then automatically restored when the user returns, eliminating the need for manual re-navigation and re-setting while maintaining security through automatic state preservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically restoring the setting state without requiring user intervention. The system monitors for user return and automatically reverts to the previous setting state, saving time while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the setting UI is automatically closed after predetermined time, then security is improved by preventing exposure of settings, but ease of operation deteriorates as users cannot easily resume their task

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure of settingsVSAvoidease of resuming task

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically saving the setting state to memory when the user leaves the setting UI. This saved state is then automatically restored when the user returns, eliminating the need for manual re-navigation and re-setting while maintaining security through automatic state preservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by detecting user presence through manipulation input detection. When manipulation input is detected, the system restores the previous setting state, creating a feedback loop that adapts the interface behavior to user needs while maintaining security when users are absent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9058546B2Image forming apparatus for providing user interface and method thereof

Publication Date: 2015.06.16 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A method for providing a user interface of an image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus are provided. The method includes displaying a setting user interface (UI) to set a function of the image forming apparatus, and when a user manipulation is not input to the setting UI for a predetermined time before a user finishes setting the function, temporarily storing setting information that the user has input through the setting UI. The method includes when a predetermined event occurs, re-displaying the setting UI corresponding to the setting information. Accordingly, the UI is effectively provided.