Input Key Illumination for Easier Mode Switching
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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 operational key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of functions and settable items is increased to satisfy various operator needs, then the versatility and adaptability of the image forming apparatus is improved, but the number of input keys increases resulting in complicated operations and impaired ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large set of input keys into multiple groups based on their functional categories or operational sequences. By dividing the keys into manageable groups and providing visual distinction for currently selectable keys, operators can easily locate the relevant keys without being overwhelmed by the total number of keys, thus maintaining ease of use while supporting multiple functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color changes or lighting variations of light-emitting elements to visually distinguish currently selectable input keys from others. This visual indication system allows operators to quickly identify which keys are active or relevant in the current operational context, reducing the cognitive load of selecting from numerous keys and maintaining ease of operation despite increased functionality
2Ease of operation
If visual distinction is provided for all input keys to facilitate operations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and information overload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual distinction selectively to specific input keys that are currently selectable or relevant, rather than uniformly to all keys. This localized visual indication reduces the overall visual complexity and prevents information overload while still providing sufficient guidance for operators to perform operations easily
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic updating of visual indications as operational modes change or as operators navigate through different functions. The visual distinction is periodically refreshed to reflect the current state, ensuring operators always have accurate guidance without requiring continuous visual processing of all keys, thus balancing ease of operation with reduced complexity
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 from a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates remaining input key.