Virtual Button Interface for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in user convenience due to the limitations of physical buttons, which can occupy significant space and hinder intuitive operation, especially as touch panels and displays become more prominent.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that generates and displays a screen with a first user interface for setting options and a second user interface featuring virtual buttons, allowing for adaptive functionality and appearance changes based on the application, thereby replacing physical buttons with software-based virtual controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical buttons are used for controlling image forming apparatus operations, then operational control is provided, but the buttons occupy significant space and hinder intuitive operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical buttons with virtual buttons displayed on a touch panel. The controller detects touch inputs on the display screen and executes corresponding operations, substituting the mechanical button system with a software-based touch interface system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual representations (copies) of physical button functions on the display screen. These virtual buttons replicate the functionality of physical buttons while occupying minimal space on the touch panel, allowing intuitive operation without the spatial constraints of physical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual buttons are used to replace physical buttons, then space is minimized and adaptability is improved, but the system requires touch panel technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements virtual buttons that can adapt their functionality based on the current application or operational context. The same virtual button interface can serve multiple different functions depending on what application is active, providing universal control across diverse operations without requiring separate physical buttons for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic button interface where the virtual buttons' appearance, position, and function can change based on the current application state. The controller dynamically adjusts the display content and button configurations to match the active application, providing context-appropriate controls.
3Ease of operation
If the user interface is improved with more applications and options, then user convenience increases, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the user interface into multiple screens, each dedicated to a specific application or function. The controller displays different sets of virtual buttons and options on separate screens based on the active application, allowing comprehensive functionality to be organized into manageable, context-relevant segments rather than overwhelming the user with all options simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing a screen for manipulating execution of an application of an image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus using the method. The method includes an operation of displaying, on the screen, a first user interface for setting options to be applied to the execution of the application, and a second user interface including at least one virtual button for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus, so that a user may control the image forming apparatus without using physical buttons.