Display Controller Adaptive First Hierarchy Screen for MFP

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users frequently encounter operational inconvenience when repeatedly selecting frequently used sub-functions, such as the both-side print function, from a list of options on a multi-function peripheral's standby screen, leading to inefficient workflow.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a display control system that allows the device to recognize user tendencies and automatically set frequently used sub-functions as the first hierarchy screen when a main function is selected, enabling direct access without navigating through a list of options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the system displays a list of all sub-functions for selection, then the user can access any function, but the user must navigate through multiple steps to select frequently used functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of function selectionVSAvoidtime to select function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically displaying the frequently used sub-function screen immediately after selecting a main function, without requiring the user to manually navigate through the list. The controller retrieves and displays the pre-determined first hierarchy screen based on usage history, effectively performing the selection action in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamics by making the displayed screen adaptive rather than static. The first hierarchy screen changes dynamically based on the user's usage patterns - it displays different sub-functions depending on which main function was selected and what the user's historical usage behavior indicates they are most likely to choose next.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system provides detailed setting screens for all functions, then the user can configure all options, but the interface becomes complex and requires more navigation steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction configuration capabilityVSAvoidscreen hierarchy complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by providing different levels of detail in different contexts. For frequently used functions, it displays a simplified first hierarchy screen with essential information. For less frequently used or more complex functions, it maintains the full detailed setting screens. This localized adaptation of information density reduces overall complexity while preserving necessary functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The screen hierarchy is segmented into multiple levels: the first hierarchy screen for frequently used functions and the second hierarchy screen for detailed settings. This segmentation allows the system to present only the necessary information at each stage, breaking down the complex configuration process into manageable segments that reduce cognitive load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If the system displays all available sub-functions in a list, then the user has complete information, but the workflow efficiency decreases due to additional selection steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidworkflow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by displaying only the most relevant sub-function information in the first hierarchy screen rather than all possible sub-functions. This partial display is sufficient for the user's immediate needs based on usage patterns, eliminating the need to view the complete list while maintaining workflow efficiency. The full information remains available in the second hierarchy screen if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10509539B2Display control device, non-transitory computer-readable medium, and containing instructions to control display device

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A display control device has a display device, a storage device and a controller. The storage device contains a function selection screen, a function items list screen and a function item setting screen. The controller is configured to set one of the functional items list screen and the functional item setting screen as a first hierarchy screen when one function is selected, retrieve the function selection screen from the storage device and display the same, receive a selection operation to select one of the multiple functions through the function selection screen, and retrieve a screen which is set as the first hierarchy screen from the storage device and displays the retrieved screen on the display device when one of the multiple functions is selected.