Scanner Interface Segmentation for Scan Mode Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multifunction peripherals face challenges in allowing users to easily execute scanning functions according to desired settings, particularly in choosing between using an automatic document feeding mechanism or a flatbed.

Innovation Solution

A scanner configuration that includes a display device showing three buttons: a first button for transitioning to a setting screen, a second button for immediately scanning using a first setting, and a third button for immediately scanning using a second setting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If an immediate execution button is used to quickly execute a scan function, then the operation speed is improved, but the user cannot select between different scan modes (automatic document feeding mechanism or flatbed)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation speedVSAvoidscan mode selection

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The immediate execution function is segmented into multiple buttons, each corresponding to a specific scan mode. The display screen is divided into a function display screen with immediate execution buttons and a setting screen for detailed configuration. This segmentation allows users to quickly access specific scan modes (ADF or flatbed) through dedicated buttons while maintaining the ability to configure detailed settings when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scan mode selection is performed in advance by providing dedicated immediate execution buttons for each mode (ADF scan button and flatbed scan button). Users pre-configure their preferred scan modes through these buttons, which directly trigger the corresponding scan function without requiring navigation through setting screens during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a setting screen is displayed for every scan operation to allow mode selection, then the adaptability is improved, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan mode selectionVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation interface is segmented into two distinct screens: a function display screen with immediate execution buttons for quick access to scan modes, and a setting screen for detailed configuration. This segmentation reduces operation complexity by providing a simplified entry point while maintaining comprehensive configuration capabilities when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The immediate execution buttons serve multiple functions: they act as direct shortcuts to specific scan modes (reducing complexity) and simultaneously serve as entry points to the setting screen for that mode (maintaining adaptability). Each button is designed to provide both quick execution and configuration access, making the interface universally useful for different user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a setting screen is displayed for every scan operation to allow detailed configuration, then the ease of operation according to desired settings is improved, but the time required to complete the scan increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting configurationVSAvoidtime to complete scan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Users perform scan mode selection in advance by pressing the appropriate immediate execution button (ADF or flatbed), which directly initiates the scan function with pre-configured settings. This preliminary action eliminates the need to navigate through setting screens during time-critical operations, significantly reducing the time to complete scans while maintaining ease of configuration for users who need to adjust settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on user input. When an immediate execution button is pressed, the system executes the scan function directly with pre-set parameters. When users need to modify settings, the same button transitions to displaying the corresponding setting screen. This dynamic behavior optimizes the balance between speed and configurability based on real-time user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12309331B2Method executing function via scanner to display first button causing screen transition to setting screen, second and third buttons causing scanner to perform scan, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program for display function

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A scanner includes a display device 10 that displays a first button 61 that causes a screen transition to a setting screen for receiving a scan setting, a second button 62 that is located near the first button 61 and causes the scanner to immediately perform a scan according to a first setting, and a third button 63 that is located near the first button 61 and causes the scanner to immediately perform a scan according to a second setting.