Touch Screen Display Area Time-Division for Multifunction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multifunctional devices like printers and scanners, displaying numerous functions using a deep tree structure complicates user navigation, leading to poor user-friendliness as users struggle to identify and select the appropriate function.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a touch screen display and controller that defines a first area for displaying an initial object, which is replaced by a related data image upon completion of a setting process, allowing for time-division of the display area to reduce operational complexity and enhance user-friendliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a deep tree structure is used to display multiple functions on a small operation screen, then the number of functions that can be displayed increases, but the number of operations required to access settings increases and user-friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is segmented into multiple independent display areas (first display area, second display area, third display area) that can simultaneously show different functions and their settings. This allows users to access multiple function settings without navigating through deep tree structures, as each function can be displayed in its own dedicated area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-level hierarchical display to a multi-dimensional parallel display structure. Instead of requiring users to navigate through multiple levels of a tree structure, the system displays multiple functions and their settings simultaneously across different display areas, effectively adding spatial dimensions to the interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a deep tree structure is used for displaying settings, then more functions can be accommodated, but it becomes difficult for users to understand where the selected function is and which function should be used
Solution Approach 1:
Each function is assigned to a specific display area with its own dedicated space for showing function icons, settings, and status information. This segmentation allows users to easily identify which function is currently selected and what settings are available, as each function occupies a distinct visual region rather than being hidden within nested menus.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is designed to handle multiple functions simultaneously across different display areas, with each area capable of displaying complete function information including icons, settings, and status. This universal display capability allows users to see and understand multiple functions at once, improving function identification.
3Area of stationary object
If time-division of display areas is implemented, then the same area can display both initial objects and data images, but requires controller logic to manage switching
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic switching between displaying initial objects (function icons) and data images (settings information) in the same display area. When a user selects a function, the display area transitions from showing the function icon to showing the settings information, and can revert when the settings are completed or a different function is selected. This periodic action allows efficient use of display space.
Solution Approach 2:
The display areas are designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the same area to serve multiple purposes at different times. The controller dynamically adjusts what is displayed in each area based on user interactions and system state, enabling flexible utilization of display real estate without requiring permanent dedicated spaces for every possible piece of information.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a communication device including: a touch screen display configured to detect an indicated position and to display a plurality of kinds of object; a controller configured to control the touch screen display to define at least one first area in the touch screen display, control the touch screen display to display a first object in the first area, execute a setting process of communication based on the indicated position in a case that the indicated position detected by the touch screen display is located in the first area; and control the touch screen display to display a second object, which is in relation to data obtained depending on execution or completion of the setting process of communication, in the first area, instead of the first object, in a case that execution of the setting process of communication is completed.