Mobile Terminal Matrix Interface for Image Forming Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-segment image forming apparatuses have limited display screens and detection functions, making it difficult for users to set operation settings, particularly for sheet size and type, which complicates the setting process and reduces operability.
Innovation Solution
An operation assistance system using a mobile communication terminal that wirelessly communicates with the image forming apparatus, allowing at least two types of setting items to be set simultaneously on the terminal's screen through a single touch operation, utilizing a matrix table format to simplify the setting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile communication terminal is used to assist with operation settings, then the setting process can be performed outside the image forming apparatus, but the operability is not improved because the mobile terminal screen is merely operated instead of the apparatus display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the hierarchical setting structure (vertical navigation through multiple menus) into a matrix table structure (horizontal and vertical grid layout). This dimensional change allows users to access and set multiple parameters simultaneously by selecting cells in the matrix, rather than navigating through nested hierarchical menus sequentially. The matrix table displays setting items as rows and columns, enabling parallel configuration of multiple parameters in a single view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple setting operations into a single touch operation. By allowing users to select multiple cells in the matrix table and apply settings simultaneously, it combines what would traditionally require multiple separate navigation and selection actions into one unified operation. This merging of operations significantly reduces the number of steps required to configure multiple parameters.
2Loss of information
If hierarchical display of settings is used on the image forming apparatus display, then all setting items can be organized systematically, but it becomes difficult for users to make operation settings due to the multi-level navigation required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the hierarchical setting structure (vertical navigation through multiple menus) into a matrix table structure (horizontal and vertical grid layout). This dimensional change allows users to access and set multiple parameters simultaneously by selecting cells in the matrix, rather than navigating through nested hierarchical menus sequentially. The matrix table displays setting items as rows and columns, enabling parallel configuration of multiple parameters in a single view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the setting interface into discrete matrix cells, each representing a specific setting item. This segmentation allows the complex set of parameters to be broken down into individually selectable units within the matrix grid. Users can select specific cells for modification without being required to navigate through all hierarchical levels, making the setting process more direct and efficient.
3Extent of automation
If detection functions are added to the image forming apparatus, then automatic setting of parameters becomes possible, but cost increases and the apparatus becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to self-configure by allowing users to directly select and set parameters through the matrix table interface on the mobile terminal. Instead of requiring automatic detection hardware to infer settings, the system provides direct access to all setting parameters, allowing users to manually configure the apparatus according to their specific needs. This self-service approach eliminates the need for expensive detection functions while maintaining full configurability.
Data Source
AI summary
In an operation assistance system, an operation assistance method, and a computer-readable recording medium recording an operation assistance program, each of which assists with making an operation setting of an image forming apparatus by using a mobile communication terminal, the mobile communication terminal wirelessly communicates with the image forming apparatus, and at least two types of setting items among plural types of the setting items for the image forming apparatus are simultaneously set by a single touch operation on an operation screen of the mobile communication terminal.