Image Forming Device Notification Lamp Offset for Sheet Discharge Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The visibility of the sheet discharge space in image forming devices is obstructed by the operation panel, particularly due to the presence of a notification lamp, which reduces the usability and increases the risk of interference with the sheet discharge mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The operation panel is positioned offset to one side, with the notification lamp protruding from the frame at a lower portion away from the sheet discharge space, ensuring it does not obstruct the view and reducing the risk of interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation panel is attached on the front side of the image scanner with a large overlapping area, then the operation panel can be easily accessed by users, but the visibility of the sheet discharge space is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitter protrudes from the operation panel in the vertical dimension (front-to-back direction), creating a three-dimensional notification system that does not occupy horizontal space in the front view. This allows the operation panel to maintain its front-side position for ease of access while the light emitter provides notifications without obstructing the sheet discharge space visibility in the horizontal plane
2Loss of information
If the light emitter is positioned on the operation panel, then notification function is provided, but it may interfere with the sheet discharge mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitter is extracted from the main body of the operation panel and positioned to protrude outward, separating the notification function from the operational interface. This extraction allows the light emitter to be positioned away from the sheet discharge space while remaining integrated with the operation panel structure, thus providing notification functionality without causing interference
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device comprises: an image scanner; a printer provided below the image scanner; a sheet discharge tray provided between the image scanner and the printer and forming, between the sheet discharge tray and the image scanner, a sheet discharge space into which a sheet printed by the printer is discharged; and an operation panel attached on a front side of the image scanner, wherein the operation panel includes an operation unit operated by a user, a frame provided surrounding the operation unit, and a light emitter including a lamp that makes a predetermined notification to the user, and the light emitter protrudes from a lower portion of the frame at a position away from the sheet discharge space in a front view of the image forming device.