Unified Option Screen for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require users to navigate multiple screens to set options for various functions, such as printing, scanning, and faxing, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that displays all operation options for multiple functions on a single screen, allowing users to set options without screen changes, using a processor with an option determination unit and screen generation unit to arrange regions for each function on a unified user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users navigate multiple screens to set options for various functions, then each function can have dedicated settings, but user operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple function-specific option screens into a single unified option screen that displays settings for printing, scanning, faxing, and other functions simultaneously. This consolidation allows users to access and modify all function options without navigating between multiple screens, directly resolving the contradiction by improving ease of operation while reducing navigation time.
2Productivity
If all function options are displayed on one screen, then user efficiency increases, but screen layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unified option screen is segmented into distinct functional regions, each dedicated to a specific function (printing, scanning, faxing, etc.). Within each region, options are organized in logical groups. This segmentation allows the complex information to be presented in an structured, manageable way that improves user efficiency while the systematic organization helps manage the inherent screen generation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent organizes multiple function options spatially across the screen using a two-dimensional layout with distinct regions for different functions. By utilizing spatial arrangement and visual hierarchy, the system presents comprehensive options in a single screen without overwhelming the user, balancing productivity improvement with manageable screen complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of displaying an option screen in an image forming apparatus includes determining at least one operation option corresponding each of two or more image forming functions, among image forming functions provided by the image forming apparatus; generating an option screen in which regions for setting the operation options determined with respect to the two or more image forming functions are arranged in a same screen; and displaying the generated option screen through a user interface unit.