Unified Function List Screen for Multifunction Peripheral
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multifunction peripherals (MFPs) require cumbersome operations for users to execute functions using registered values, as users must navigate through multiple screens to select and apply stored settings, leading to increased user burden.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a function list screen displaying both initial value and registered value buttons, allowing users to execute functions using either initial or registered values with a simple selection, where the apparatus displays the corresponding function screens and executes the chosen settings directly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users navigate through multiple screens to select and apply registered values, then the function can be executed with stored settings, but the user burden and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the function list screen and registered value selection into a single unified interface. The registered value buttons are displayed directly on the function list screen alongside the function names, eliminating the need to navigate to a separate registered value selection screen. This merging of interfaces allows users to select both the function and its registered value in one location, significantly reducing operational steps and user burden while maintaining reliable access to stored settings.
2Reliability
If users navigate through multiple screens to select registered values, then the function can be executed with stored settings, but the number of operation steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-displaying the registered value buttons on the function list screen before the user needs to select them. The registered values are prepared and presented in advance alongside the function options, so users can immediately select the desired registered value without navigating through additional screens or searching for options. This preliminary preparation of the interface elements significantly reduces the time required to execute functions with stored settings.
3Ease of operation
If a unified interface displays both initial value and registered value buttons, then the operation is simplified, but the screen information density increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by visually distinguishing between initial value buttons and registered value buttons on the function list screen. Different button styles, colors, or labels are used to segment the two types of value selections, making it clear to users which button corresponds to initial values and which corresponds to registered values. This visual segmentation organizes the increased information density into manageable, easily distinguishable elements, maintaining operational simplicity despite the richer interface content.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus having functions includes an image processing unit that executes the functions; a memory that stores a function table including function identification information identifying the functions, initial values preset for the functions, and registered values set for the functions by a user, in a corresponding manner to each other; a display processing unit that displays a function list screen on which initial value buttons for calling up an initial value function screen accepting an input of an instruction from the user to execute the function using the initial values, and first registered value buttons for calling up a registered value function screen accepting an input of the instruction from the user to execute the function using the registered values are arranged; and an accepting unit accepting a selection of the initial value button or the first registered value button on the function list screen from the user.