Input Key Illumination Control for Mode-Switch Usability
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Solution Overview
Problem
As image forming apparatuses increase in functionality, the number of settable items and input keys grows, complicating operations and impairing ease of use for operators, who must select from a large number of keys.
Innovation Solution
An input-key control device with a key-related-information storage unit, an input-key identifying unit, and a light-emission control unit that distinguishes the lighting manner of a light-emitting element for newly operable input keys upon mode switching, facilitating visual recognition of the next operable key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of functions is increased, then the versatility of the image forming apparatus is improved, but the number of input keys increases resulting in worsened ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different input keys have different lighting states (illuminated vs. non-illuminated) to indicate their operability status. This allows the operation panel to provide localized visual information about which keys are currently actionable, helping users navigate complex functionality without being overwhelmed by the total number of keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes through light-emitting elements that illuminate specific input keys in different colors or with different intensities to indicate their operational status. This visual differentiation enables users to quickly identify which keys are active or available in the current mode, improving ease of operation despite increased functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of input keys is increased, then the functionality is improved, but the complexity of the operation panel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation panel uses local quality by illuminating only specific input keys that are relevant to the current operating mode or function. This selective illumination reduces the perceived complexity by highlighting only the necessary controls, allowing the panel to support increased functionality without presenting the full complexity to the user at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the input keys into different groups based on their operational status - illuminated keys represent one group (currently operable or relevant) while non-illuminated keys represent another group (not currently operable or less relevant). This segmentation helps users focus on specific subsets of keys, reducing the cognitive load despite the overall increase in functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of settable items is increased, then the versatility is improved, but the difficulty of selecting desired keys increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes through light-emitting elements to indicate which input keys are currently operable or relevant to the current function. This visual cue system makes it easier for users to detect and select the desired keys among many options, reducing selection difficulty while maintaining versatility through the expanded set of configurable items.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-illuminating or pre-highlighting the input keys that are currently operable or relevant to the displayed function. This prepares the user in advance by visually indicating which keys should be pressed, making the selection process easier even when many settable items are available.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances operator ease-of-use by visually distinguishing newly operable input keys, making it apparent which key to operate next, thereby simplifying complex operations.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emission control unit that causes a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates the input key identified by the input-key identifying unit to differ from a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates remaining input key
Data Source
AI summary
An input-key control device is mounted on an apparatus having a plurality of operating modes and controls a plurality of input keys that receive input provided by a user. The input-key control device includes: a key-related-information storage unit that stores the operating modes and key-identifying information in association with each other, the key-identifying information being information for identifying an operable input key; an input-key identifying unit that identifies, when the operating mode is switched, an input key which has newly become operable as a result of the switching of the operating mode by comparing the key-identifying information associated with the operating mode before the switching and the key-identifying information associated with the operating mode after the switching; and a light-emission control unit that causes a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates the input key identified by the input-key identifying unit to differ.