Image Forming Apparatus Universal Mode Input Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses, such as copying machines, face challenges in providing easy operation for users with disabilities or those unfamiliar with complex operations, as current universal modes often require complicated settings and lack visibility for users with color blindness or weak sight, and are limited in displaying all functions due to increased hierarchies and development costs.
Innovation Solution
An input operating device with a control section that switches between standard and universal modes, allowing all functions to be set in the standard mode and limiting functions in the universal mode, with enhanced visibility through monochrome displays and enlarged icons, and using a touch panel with numeric and symbol keys for simplified function selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all functions are displayed in the universal mode, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to increased hierarchies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the function display into two distinct modes: standard mode for users needing all functions, and universal mode for users with disabilities. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive functionality while simplifying the interface for specific user groups, avoiding the complexity that would arise from trying to display all functions simultaneously in a simplified mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between standard mode and universal mode based on user needs. The system can adapt its display characteristics (enlargement, color reduction) and function availability dynamically, allowing full functionality when needed while providing simplified access when required, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Loss of information
If color display is used to show increased information, then the information density is improved, but the accessibility deteriorates for color-blind users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the display parameters dynamically based on the selected mode. In universal mode, the system reduces color usage and enlarges display elements, making the interface accessible to color-blind users while still conveying necessary information. In standard mode, full-color display with higher information density is restored, thus resolving the contradiction between information capacity and accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If enlargement display is used to improve visibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the function selection complexity increases due to scrolling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by displaying only the most frequently used functions in the universal mode with enlargement, rather than attempting to display all functions simultaneously. This approach provides sufficient visibility and ease of operation for common tasks while avoiding the need for extensive scrolling. Less frequently used functions can be accessed through alternative means, thus resolving the contradiction between visibility and time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide enhanced operability to users incapable of setting complicated operations such as handicapped people, children, and old people. An operation panel section displays a plurality of settable functions to receive an input of the plurality of the settable functions. An input controller switches an input mode through an operation panel section between a standard mode in which any function can be set and a universal mode in which limited functions can be set with visibility higher than the standard mode.