The iR-ADV has many functions that we would really want in the office. However, with a lot of functions comes the danger of sacrificing ease of use. The solution to that problem was the UI that you worked on, wasn't it, Ms. Nishiyama?
- Nishiyama
- Yes. It was rough because "functions live and die by the UI." (Laughs) This is even truer for systems like the iR-ADV that have many functions packed into them.
In the past, the UI of multifunction office systems was function oriented. The user would select from what the machine could do. That's fine if you understand all of the functions that are included, but the level of understanding varies widely among users. So, we redesigned the UI to be objective oriented rather than function oriented. Functions are selected as the user moves along the LCD touch panel according to what he or she wants to do.
Doesn't this mean that the panel needs to have many display screens?
- Nishiyama
- Yes. We made a total of about 2,500 display screens.
That's a lot of screens! However, each user has functions and settings that are used frequently in daily work.
- Asahara
- That's correct. Most users have the system repeat operations within a set range during the course of their own work. This is why we newly included a "Custom Menu." Users can register the functions that they use most frequently. In particular, frequently used settings can be displayed on an individual's top screen for the one-touch operation of tasks that would otherwise require a large number of touches.
That's something to be appreciated. Straightforward and hassle-free. And no mistakes.
- Kitozaki
- In the past, multifunction office systems were designed under the assumption that they would be customized according to each individual workplace. However, the frequently used functions and settings differ between individuals, even when they work in the same workplace. So, we thought that users would want to customize settings according to their individual needs.
Operation screen capable of individual customization
It's clear that as you tried to make it a more pleasant experience for the user, you not only fulfilled the needs of users, but also their desire to do certain things. Does this also go for system integration and connecting over a network with other devices?
- Kitozaki
- Basically, yes. I think that we've been able to respond to user requests for the ability to link to PCs and other multifunction office systems to increase work efficiency.
How is it used?
- Kitozaki
- For example, if data from a scan or received fax can be stored as a PDF in the Advanced Box, this PDF data can be shared between multiple PCs and printing can be done from other iR-ADV devices on the same network. Also, a notification can be sent to a PC when the device receives a fax from a specified sender. Or, notification is sent to a personal computer when large-volume copying has been completed. Things like that. System integration has clearly reduced wasted time.
One of the benefits of networking iR-ADV devices is the function that allows an address book to be shared, isn't it?
- Nishiyama
- By having to individually register and change e-mail and fax destinations in each multifunction office system installed in an office is nothing more than a waste of time and energy. Address books can be shared on an iR-ADV network, so registration and changes only need to be made on one unit.
I see. Wasn't it also necessary to make big changes to the CPU to control such ease of use?
- Kitozaki
- That's correct. It was necessary to increase processing speed, so we used two high-speed CPUs for distributed processing. So, it is possible to scan documents or send and receive electronic data during continuous copying.
- Nakagaki
- The performance of each function does not decrease, even when multiple jobs are being performed.
Concept of the advanced iR controller with two high-speed CPUs
