Retractable Operation Panel for Image Output Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses often suffer from reduced visibility of discharge areas due to the size and installation position of operation units, which can obstruct the view of recording media.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an operation unit that is retractable into a storage portion, allowing it to move between exposed and retracted positions, and includes sensors to detect its state for controlling display unit visibility and luminance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation unit is made large and installed in a fixed position to provide comprehensive control functions, then the operability and information display capability are improved, but the visibility of the discharge area for recording media is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit is designed to be movable between a retracted position (where it is stored in the storage portion) and an extended position (where it protrudes from the apparatus main body). This dynamic configuration allows the operation unit to be positioned according to user needs: retracted when discharge area visibility is prioritized, and extended when operability and display visibility are prioritized.
2Ease of operation
If the operation unit is always exposed to provide full functionality, then user access to controls is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous display operation
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit can be dynamically positioned between retracted and extended states. When not in use, it is retracted to minimize power consumption. When needed, it is extended to provide full functionality. The control unit coordinates the movement of the operation unit with the operation state of the image forming apparatus to optimize power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit detects when the image forming apparatus requires user interaction and proactively extends the operation unit to the extended position before the user needs to operate it, ensuring readiness while minimizing the time the display is active and consuming power.
3Area of stationary object
If the operation unit is retracted to improve visibility of discharge areas, then visibility is improved, but user access to controls becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit transitions between retracted and extended positions based on detected operational needs. When the image forming apparatus is in a state requiring user interaction (such as during setup, error conditions, or configuration), the control unit extends the operation unit to ensure accessible controls and display visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body including an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium, and an operation unit including a display unit for displaying information about the image formation, and receiving a touch operation from a user. The operation unit is movable between a first position where the entire display unit is exposed to an outside of the apparatus main body, and a second position where at least a part of the display unit is retracted within the apparatus main body to reduce visibility of at least a part of the display unit. In a case where the operation unit is at the second position, the display unit prompts the user to pull the operation unit from the apparatus main body.