Image Forming Apparatus Menu Display Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses face challenges in user operability due to the limitations of existing display techniques, such as one-line scroll display and grid-like display, which either result in poor visibility or require excessive eye movement, making it difficult to efficiently navigate and access multiple function buttons on a menu screen.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that switches between a one-line display mode and a grid display mode on its menu screen, allowing users to choose the most suitable mode based on their preference, with the one-line mode enabling easy scrolling and the grid mode providing high visibility and quick access to buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one-line scroll display technique is used, then the user only has to move his or her eye in a predetermined direction (one direction) to find an intended button, but the visibility at a glance is not good because it is difficult to increase the number of buttons which can be arranged on the screen to more than a predetermined number
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the menu screen to switch between two display modes (one-line scroll display mode and grid-like display mode) based on user selection. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt to different user preferences and operational contexts, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and quantity of displayable buttons by offering both display configurations
2Quantity of substance
If grid-like display technique is used, then relatively many function buttons can be concurrently displayed on the screen and visibility at a glance is high, but the user has to follow the existence of an intended button with his or her eyes in two directions of the lateral direction and the vertical direction which makes it not easy to follow with his or her eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a dynamic display mode switching mechanism that allows users to select between grid-like display and one-line scroll display. When users prioritize visibility and access to many buttons, the grid-like mode provides concurrent display of multiple buttons. When users prioritize ease of eye movement, the one-line scroll mode is available, thus dynamically adapting to different operational needs
3Adaptability or versatility
If one-line scroll display technique is used, then buttons can be scrolled and changed according to scroll operation, but the position of the intended button occasionally moves on the screen which causes the user to overlook the intended button
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this reliability issue by providing a stable alternative (grid-like display mode) where button positions remain fixed during display. Users who require stable button positions for reliable operation can select this mode, while still having access to the adaptive one-line scroll mode when flexibility is prioritized. The switching capability ensures that the system can maintain reliability by allowing users to choose the mode that best fits their operational context
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to switch a display mode of a menu screen for setting between a first display mode and a second display mode. On a menu screen of the first display mode, the controller (i) determines as display object function buttons a part of function buttons of a plurality of function buttons used to call up each of detailed settings screens each related to each of a plurality of functions provided in the image forming apparatus, (ii) displays the display object function buttons to be arranged in a row in a predetermined direction, and (iii) changes and displays the display object function buttons according to a scroll operation performed by a user. On a menu screen of the second display mode, the controller displays at least a part of function buttons of the plurality of function buttons to be arranged in a grid-like manner.