Image Forming Apparatus Voice Setting Screen Layout

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses face difficulties in simultaneously setting multiple setting items due to screen flow restrictions during voice operation, making it cumbersome for users to manage and confirm settings.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system that includes a voice recognition server connected to a multifunction peripheral (MFP) via a communication network, allowing voice commands to be processed and translated into digital data for simultaneous setting of multiple items on a screen, enabling users to input and confirm settings efficiently through voice commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If voice operation technique is used to check setting details by tracking layers, then setting details can be checked, but it becomes difficult to simultaneously set multiple setting items due to screen flow restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting detailsVSAvoidsimultaneous setting of multiple items

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional sequential layer navigation to a two-dimensional screen display that shows multiple setting items simultaneously. The control panel displays a screen with multiple setting items arranged in a grid or list format, allowing users to see and set multiple parameters without navigating through multiple layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the voice recognition process to handle multiple setting items independently. Each setting item is recognized and processed separately through voice commands, allowing users to set multiple parameters by issuing individual voice instructions for each item rather than navigating through a unified hierarchical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional screen flow is used for voice operation, then screen structure is maintained, but operability deteriorates due to inability to simultaneously set multiple items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen structureVSAvoidsetting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the control panel by allowing the screen to update in real-time based on voice recognition results. When a setting item is recognized via voice, the screen dynamically updates to reflect the change, and can jump to display relevant detailed screens, creating a flexible and adaptive interface that responds to user commands without following rigid sequential navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3696610B1Image forming apparatus, display control method, and carrier means

Publication Date: 2022.11.09 RICOH CO LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

An image forming apparatus (9) includes: a voice acquiring unit (91) to acquire a voice instructing to set a plurality of setting items to be used for executing image forming; an operation control unit (93) to control a display (940) to display a setting screen indicating a plurality of setting items having been set using one or more keywords recognized from the voice instructing to set the plurality of setting items; and an engine control unit (930) to perform image forming based on the plurality of setting items having been set based on the voice.