Numeric Keypad Input Control for Stable NumLock Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
General-purpose input devices connected to image forming apparatuses often cause operational issues, including confusion about input modes and incorrect switching between numerical input and cursor movement modes, leading to user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a controller that maintains a light emitting portion, such as the NumLock LED, in a constant on state when a general-purpose numerical key unit is connected, ensuring the input mode is set to numerical input mode and preventing unintended switching, thereby enhancing user experience and clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a general-purpose input device is connected to the image forming apparatus, then the device can be used with multiple information processing devices (PC versatility), but the user experiences confusion about input modes and incorrect switching between numerical input and cursor movement modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the light emitting portion (NumLock LED) continuously illuminate in a specific state (ON state) when connected to an image forming apparatus, rather than following the standard toggle behavior. This localized modification of the LED's illumination behavior provides clear visual feedback about the current input mode, resolving the confusion between numerical input and cursor movement modes while maintaining compatibility with general-purpose input devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the light emitting portion to continuously indicate the current input mode state. When the input mode is set to numerical input mode, the light emitting portion remains illuminated, providing real-time visual feedback to the user. This feedback mechanism prevents unintended mode switching and ensures the user is always aware of the current operational state, thereby improving ease of operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the NumLock key is operated on a general-purpose input device connected to an image forming apparatus, then the input mode switches between numerical and cursor movement modes, but this causes unintended switching and user errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the controller to prevent the NumLock key from causing mode switching when connected to an image forming apparatus. The controller is programmed to recognize the connection type and disable the mode-switching function of the NumLock key in advance, thereby preventing unintended switching before it can occur. This ensures reliable numerical input operation while maintaining the physical functionality of the input device
3Device complexity
If a touch panel is used for numerical input, then the apparatus has a compact design, but the user cannot feel physical pushing-down sensation and must confirm each input on the display screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the touch panel with physical hardware keys (input device) in an integrated operating panel. The hardware keys provide tactile feedback through physical pushing-down sensation while the touch panel provides visual display and confirmation. This combination allows users to feel the physical act of input while still having visual confirmation on the display screen, resolving the drawback of pure touch panel operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution prevents user confusion and maintains optimal operating properties by ensuring the input mode remains in numerical input mode, even when the NumLock key is operated, thus improving user convenience and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting portion capable of notifying a user of that the first processing condition is set for the information processing device by being turned on
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus controls a general-purpose numerical key unit so as to maintain a state in which a NumLock LED is turned on in the case where a connecting cable of the general-purpose numerical key unit including a NumLock key capable of selectively switching, in a case that the general-purpose numerical key unit is connected to an information processing device including a display screen, a condition when the information processing devices processes an inputted key signal, between a first processing condition in which the key signal is processed as information on a numerical value and a second processing condition in which the key signal is processed as information for moving a cursor displayed on the display screen, and the NumLock LED capable of notifying a user of that the first processing condition is set for the information processing device by being turned on is connected to a connecting portion (step S15).