Remote Image Forming Apparatus Key Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for remotely operating image forming apparatuses face issues with key groups being too close, leading to mishitting due to overlapping dead areas, which reduces the operability of both software and hardware key groups.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves generating a composite image for remote operation that sets dead areas only around software keys adjacent to hardware key areas, preventing mishitting by accurately determining manual inputs based on touch operations within and outside the dead areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dead areas are set around the entire perimeter of each software key and hardware key image to prevent mishitting, then the reliability of key input is improved, but the operability of hardware key groups is reduced due to overlapping dead areas narrowing sensitive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the dead area configuration between software keys and hardware keys. Dead areas are set around software keys adjacent to hardware key areas, but not around hardware keys themselves. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by preventing mishitting between software and hardware keys while preserving the full sensitive area of hardware keys for optimal operability.
2Productivity
If software keys and hardware key images are disposed close to each other to save space, then the productivity of the interface is improved, but the reliability of input is reduced due to increased likelihood of mishitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains close disposition of software keys and hardware key images for space efficiency, but applies dead areas selectively only to software keys adjacent to hardware key areas. This local differentiation preserves the compact layout for productivity while preventing mishitting between the two key types, thus maintaining input reliability.
3Reliability
If dead areas are set around hardware key images to prevent mishitting with software keys, then the reliability of key input is improved, but the area available for hardware key operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dead areas exclusively to software keys adjacent to hardware key areas, not to hardware keys themselves. This selective application prevents mishitting between software and hardware keys while preserving the full sensitive area of hardware keys, thus avoiding reduction in hardware key operability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus remotely operated by an external terminal includes a generation unit generating a first composite image by combining an operation screen image corresponding to an operation screen of the image forming apparatus that includes software keys, and the hardware key area image of an area including hardware key images corresponding to hardware keys of the image forming apparatus, a setting unit not setting a dead area within the hardware key images but setting the dead area in a portion of an area of at least one software key among the software keys, the portion being on a side close to the hardware key area image, and the at least one software key being adjacent to the hardware key area image, and a transmission unit transmitting the first composite image as a remote operation image used in remotely operating the image forming apparatus, to the external terminal.