Touch Panel Button Layout for Image Editing Operability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable terminals with touch panels have limited screen size, restricting the number of buttons and information that can be displayed, leading to reduced operability and visibility when printing images, and requiring cumbersome screen switching for accessing necessary functions.
Innovation Solution
An operation device with a touch panel that displays buttons and an image editing menu alongside the image, using a radial pattern and slide bars, with the print button prominently sized and positioned on the center line, allowing for intuitive operation and expanded functionality through swipe or flick gestures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons is increased to provide more functions, then the functionality is improved, but the screen space is insufficient and visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear button arrangement to a radial pattern, utilizing angular dimension around a center point to display multiple buttons simultaneously. This allows more buttons to be arranged around the periphery of the image display region without overlapping, effectively using the circular space around the center line to increase functionality while maintaining visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different button sizes strategically: the print button on the center line is displayed in a larger size for prominence and ease of operation, while other function buttons are arranged in a radial pattern with appropriate sizes. This local differentiation optimizes both visibility and operability for different functional elements.
2Quantity of substance
If the button size is reduced to display more buttons, then the number of buttons is increased, but the operability and visibility are lowered
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging buttons in a radial pattern around the center line rather than in a linear sequence, the patent increases the available space for button placement. This dimensional change allows more buttons to be displayed with sufficient size for easy operation, as the radial distribution provides more perimeter space compared to linear arrangement.
3Loss of information
If the screen display is switched sequentially to show more information, then the information capacity is increased, but the display becomes layered and access time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions and buttons into a single screen display by utilizing the radial pattern arrangement. Instead of requiring separate screens for different functions, all necessary buttons (print button, image editing menu button, and other function buttons) are combined and displayed simultaneously around the image, eliminating the need for screen switching and reducing access time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent displays all necessary function buttons and menu options in advance on the initial screen, so users can access any function directly without sequential screen switching. The radial arrangement pre-positions all controls in one view, allowing immediate access to any function without additional navigation steps.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more buttons are displayed on one screen, then the functionality is expanded, but the visibility and operability of each button is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different visual characteristics to different buttons based on their importance and function. The print button on the center line is displayed in a larger size with prominent positioning for high visibility, while other buttons in the radial pattern are sized appropriately for their specific functions, ensuring each button maintains sufficient visibility despite the increased number of controls.
Data Source
AI summary
An image to be printed is displayed in an image display region EA1 set on a center line L passing through a center of a screen in a width direction. A print button PB for providing an instruction for printing of the image and an image editing menu buttons EB1 to EB3 are displayed in a button display region EA2 side by side along the width direction of the screen. The print button PB is disposed on the center line L and displayed in a larger size than other buttons EB1 to EB3. In a case in which the image editing menu button is touch-operated, a plurality of operation buttons for image editing are expanded and displayed in an operation region EA3 between the button display region EA2 and the image display region EA1. The operation buttons for image editing are displayed in a radial pattern on the same circumference around a point set on the center line L.