Multifunction Peripheral Interface Layout Consistency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multifunction peripherals (MFPs) often confuse users due to differing screen layouts and button arrangements between home and operation setting screens, leading to difficulties in operation.

Innovation Solution

A multifunction peripheral with a display portion that features a first user interface for selecting operation modes and a second user interface for setting conditions, with overlapping display regions and strategically placed start and reset keys in corner areas to reduce user confusion and facilitate easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different screen layouts and button arrangements are used for home screen and operation setting screen, then each screen can be optimized for its specific function, but user confusion increases due to inconsistent interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen layout optimizationVSAvoiduser confusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is divided into multiple display regions (first display region, second display region, third display region, fourth display region) with distinct functions. The first and third regions show switchably displayed icons for operation mode selection, while the second and fourth regions show fixedly displayed icons for operation condition setting. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific purpose while maintaining overall interface consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface employs dynamic display characteristics where icons in the first and third display regions can be switchably displayed based on operation mode, while icons in the second and fourth display regions remain fixedly displayed. This dynamic adjustment allows the interface to adapt to different operational contexts while maintaining consistent layout patterns that reduce user confusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If complete screen layout changes are made between home screen and operation setting screen, then functional optimization is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases due to user confusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The screen is segmented into multiple regions with different display characteristics. The first and third display regions use switchable display for operation mode icons, while the second and fourth display regions use fixed display for operation condition icons. This segmentation enables functional optimization in each region while maintaining overall interface consistency that preserves operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different display qualities are applied to different regions of the screen. The first and third regions have switchable display characteristics adapted for operation mode selection, while the second and fourth regions have fixed display characteristics adapted for operation condition setting. This local differentiation optimizes functionality without creating overall interface inconsistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If button arrangements are completely different on home screen and operation setting screen, then each screen can be customized, but user confusion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen customizationVSAvoiduser confusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is divided into four distinct regions with specific display characteristics. The first and third regions display operation mode icons that can be switched, while the second and fourth regions display operation condition icons that remain fixed. This segmentation enables customization of each region's content while maintaining consistent layout patterns across the interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface uses dynamic display characteristics where certain regions can switch their displayed icons based on operation mode, while other regions maintain fixed icon arrangements. This dynamic behavior allows customization for different operational contexts while preserving interface consistency that reduces user confusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10171692B2Multifunction peripheral

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 SHARP KK

AI summary

A multifunction peripheral comprises an operating panel, and a home screen for performing selection of an operation mode, etc. on the operating panel is displayed if a home button is operated. If selecting a simple copy button in the home screen, for example, a copy screen is displayed on the operating panel. Furthermore, if selecting a simple facsimile button in the home screen, a fax screen is displayed on the operating panel. Furthermore, if selecting a simple scan button in the home screen, a scan screen is displayed on the operating panel. Layout of the home screen and layout of each of the copy screen, the facsimile screen and the scan screen are similar to each other.