Image Processing Device Screen Layout Merging for Visual Confirmation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience in navigating hierarchized setting screens for image processing, requiring multiple steps to return to previous screens and reset selections, making it difficult to visually confirm desired screens.

Innovation Solution

The image processing device combines target images with templates in the finished print display area, allowing users to select and visualize arrangements without needing to return to previous screens, by generating screens that integrate list and editing functions within a single display area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If hierarchized setting screens are used to organize image processing functions, then the system structure becomes clear and functions are well-organized, but users face inconvenience in navigating between screens and cannot visually confirm desired screens immediately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen structureVSAvoidscreen navigation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple hierarchical screens into a single integrated display that shows both the list of images and the finished print layout simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for users to navigate between multiple screens while maintaining clear organization of functions through spatial arrangement on the same screen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a sequential single-screen hierarchy to a multi-dimensional display where different functional areas (image list, template selection, finished print preview) coexist in different spatial zones on the same screen, allowing users to access multiple functions without screen switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple setting screens are used for selecting images and configuring print options, then each screen can focus on specific functions, but users require multiple steps to return to previous screens and reset selections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen function designVSAvoidscreen switching time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the image selection function and print configuration function into a single screen display, allowing users to select images and configure templates without switching screens. The finished print display area updates in real-time as users make selections, eliminating time loss from screen switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent displays the finished print layout in advance in the finished print display area, allowing users to preview the result before finalizing selections. This preliminary visualization helps users confirm their choices immediately without needing to return to previous screens to check selections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If screens are switched sequentially through hierarchical levels, then each screen can display detailed information, but users cannot visually confirm desired screens immediately and operation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display completenessVSAvoidvisual confirmation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single screen into distinct functional segments: a list display area for showing images and a finished print display area for showing the template layout. Each segment displays comprehensive information for its purpose, and both segments are visible simultaneously, allowing users to confirm desired screens immediately without switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2958311B1Image processing device, image processing method, and image processing program
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP2958311B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2958311B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2958311B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A print order reception apparatus (10) displays one of an image selection screen and an editing content changing screen. In the image selection screen, a list display area for showing a plurality of thumbnail images and a finished print display area for showing target images, which are selected in the list display area, in a finished state are displayed side by side. In the editing content changing screen, the finished print display area and an editing command display area for showing edit buttons each for editing the target images are displayed side by side. A selection section (42) selects and displays any one of the screens.