Image Forming Apparatus Input Screen Overlay for Setting Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses like MFPs, the use of soft keyboards reduces the number of physical hard keys, but it becomes difficult for users to identify which setting value corresponds to each item on the operation screen due to overlapping screens, making it hard to set processing conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a separate input screen displaying portion that shows input keys and item information, allowing users to select setting items and input values independently, with a position detecting portion to identify user inputs and accept values for specific setting items, while the input screen is displayed overlaying the setting screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a soft keyboard is displayed on top of the operation screen, then the number of physical hard keys is reduced and the display screen size is increased, but a part of the operation screen is hidden under the soft keyboard making it difficult for users to check setting items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-layer display structure where the input screen operates in a foreground dimension while the setting screen remains in a background dimension. The position detecting portion maps touch inputs from the input screen to corresponding positions on the setting screen, enabling users to interact with setting items without obscuring the setting screen visually. This dimensional separation resolves the contradiction by maintaining full visibility of setting items while providing soft keyboard functionality.
2Length of stationary object
If a soft keyboard is used instead of physical hard keys, then the apparatus size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to identify which setting value corresponds to each item on the operation screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the position detecting portion detects touch positions on the input screen and the system provides visual feedback by highlighting or indicating which setting item corresponds to the touched input key. This feedback loop maintains ease of operation by clearly associating each soft keyboard input with its corresponding setting item, preventing user confusion despite the absence of physical hard keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The input screen serves as an intermediary layer between the user and the setting screen. It includes both the soft keyboard for input and item information display for reference, mediating the interaction between user input and setting item selection. This intermediary structure maintains ease of operation by providing clear visual cues about which setting item will be modified by each input.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a setting screen displaying portion to display a setting screen on a display portion, an input screen displaying portion to display an input screen including input keys on the display portion, a position detecting portion to detect a position designated by a user on a display surface of the display portion, an item selecting portion to select one of a plurality of setting items on the setting screen, a setting value accepting portion to accept a value determined by the input key designated by the user as a setting value for the setting item being selected, and a designation accepting portion, provided independently of the position detecting portion, to accept a user's designation. The input screen displaying portion displays the input screen on the display portion when the designation accepting portion accepts a first designation in the state where the setting screen is being displayed.