Patent Publication Number: US-2016224214-A1

Title: Methods for Optimizing Display Space of a User Interface of an Imaging Apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to improving a user&#39;s experience when interfacing with an imaging apparatus and more particularly to optimizing display space of said user interfaces for users to efficiently indicate preferred options for the imaging apparatus to use in executing a function thereon. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Prior to an imaging device executing a user-selected function, the user must indicate a set of preferences or preferred options in executing the function. For example, when a user indicates a desire to execute a copying function on a multifunction product (MFP), the MFP generates on its user interface settings corresponding to the copy function (e.g., “Content”, “Paper Details”, “Scale”, “Darkness”, “Custom Job”, or “Finishing Options” option, etc.) with each setting having a preconfigured set of options to choose from (e.g., “Photo”, “Text”, “Graphics”, “Text/Photo” options for the “Content” setting, etc.). Since an apparatus may be capable of performing multiple functions and each function may include a number of settings with associated options, existing user interfaces employ a separate display on the user interface for each setting. Upon function selection, for example, users are forced to navigate through a first display (e.g., “Scale” setting display) to select a preferred option for one particular setting (e.g., 50%) and out of the same display and into another when another setting is selected. More generally, users are required to navigate in and out of displays for indicating preferring options for settings. Buttons on a key panel, such as, “Back”, “Next”, “Home” or like buttons for manipulation on a key panel are often utilized to aid movement between displays. In this context, navigating between various displays in current user interfaces for an imaging apparatus commonly results in the user getting lost. While trail markers may be provided on the user interface for indicating a location of the user relative to a primary display or “home screen” (i.e., text above display citing “Home&gt;Copy&gt;First Setting&gt; . . . &gt;Paper Size&gt; . . . ”), navigation is still tedious. 
     Typically, a detailed summary of selected options are provided only when desired options for all corresponding settings of the function have been selected or immediately prior to executing the function. As such, in order for users to check or change options from other settings or displays, users are required to go to each setting&#39;s respective display again, which is time-consuming. Thus, typical user interfaces for an imaging apparatus are not only tedious to navigate through but also fail to provide users an actual summary or preview thereon of previously selected options while selection is ongoing. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for generating displays on user interfaces of imaging apparatus that are easier and simpler to navigate. The need extends to better arrangement of display elements that correspond to the settings and options associated with the functions to be performed. Additional benefits and alternatives are also sought when devising solutions. 
     SUMMARY 
     The above-mentioned and other problems are solved by systems and methods involving generation of displays for user interfaces of imaging apparatus having limited display space. In a representative embodiment, relatively large user interfaces have bifurcated displays including a first pane for the plurality of settings associated with the selected function to be performed and a second pane for a preconfigured set of settings and options (i.e., most commonly used) for the same function. A transparent drawer is operative to be launched or closed adjacent to the first pane and operative to hover over the second pane such that content on the second pane can be seen through the transparent surface of the drawer, simultaneously viewing information associated with the function selected to be performed. The first pane further provides a real-time summary of the selected options alongside respective settings while preferred or specific options for each setting thereon are selectable on a corresponding adjacent drawer. 
     Alternative displays directed to relatively small user interfaces meanwhile include a first landing screen display for primarily showing the preconfigured set of settings and options associated with the selected function to be performed. The first landing screen display for preset settings and options leads to a second landing screen display still including a bifurcated display manifested by a resizable settings pane giving way to an adjacent display area for generating specific options when one of the settings on the resizable settings pane has been selected. An execute button for activating execution of the selected function is included at any portion of the displays for accessing by users. 
     Other embodiments note techniques for including a notification bar at a topmost portion of the user interfaces so users can be notified of any events on the imaging apparatus which may be related to the function being performed or not; a control bar at a top portion of any generated display for identifying the selected function to be performed and enabling access to one or more shortcut buttons specific to the selected function (e.g., execute button); and alternative GUI elements to be utilized by users in specifying preferred options for a particular setting associated with the function to be performed, such as drop-down combo boxes, toggle boxes, etc. Software, executable code, interfaces, and computing system environments typify the embodiments. 
     These and other embodiments set forth in the description below. Their advantages and features will become readily apparent to skilled artisans. The claims set forth particular limitations. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an imaging apparatus including a home screen for selecting a function; 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart showing an example method for users to navigate on relatively large user interfaces according to  FIGS. 3A-3E ; 
         FIGS. 3A-3E  show example displays illustrating navigation described in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing an example method for users to navigate on relatively small user interfaces according to  FIGS. 5A-5J ; 
         FIGS. 5A-5J  show example displays illustrating navigation described in  FIG. 4 ; and 
         FIG. 5K  shows one example set-up of a notifications system on the user interface. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings where like numerals represent like details. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents. In accordance with the features of the invention, systems and methods for optimizing display space of an imaging apparatus user interface are described herein. 
       FIG. 1  shows imaging apparatus  100  including user interface  105  for generating display  110  thereon for manipulation by a user in indicating preferred options in executing a function, such as printing (represented by “Print” icon  112 A- 4 ). Besides printing, imaging apparatus  100  may be capable of performing other functions such as copying (icon  112 A- 1 ), scanning (icon  112 A- 2 ), faxing (icon  112 A- 3 ), reading files from USB (icon  112 A- 5 ), accessing forms (icon  112 A- 6 ), e-mailing documents (icon  112 A- 7 ), scanning documents to cloud (icon  112 A- 8 ), searching active jobs or processes on imaging apparatus  100  (icons  112 A- 9 ), and configuring imaging apparatus  100  to reduce energy use and/or supply consumption (icon  112 A- 10 ). Imaging apparatus  100  may be, for example, a laser printer, a copy machine, an inkjet printer, a dot-matrix printer, or a multifunction product (MFP) including user interface  105 . 
     Imaging apparatus  100  includes controller  120  for controlling different components that are integrated to or operatively connected with the imaging apparatus and memory  125 . Memory  125  is a non-transitory computer-readable medium used for storing one or more program instructions having logic that directs components of imaging apparatus  100  to operate in a particular manner, such as, for example, a hard drive. Controller  120  may communicate with memory  125  for the program instructions and use the instructions for controlling one or more processes on imaging apparatus  100  which includes execution of functions, communicating with other devices and other like processes. Alternatively controller  120  may be embedded with program instructions for execution thereon. Controller  120  may be typified, for example, as a microprocessor an electronic circuit, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or other suitable forms of processing media. 
     Components that are managed by controller  120  include hardware and/or software components. Hardware components include user interface  105 , automatic document feeder  130  and media input tray  135 ; while software components include the program instructions stored in memory  125  and/or controller  120  for execution such as display  110  and other modules apparent in the art embodied on any imaging apparatus  100 . These components may be communicatively coupled over a shared data bus for communication with each other. Besides user interface  105 , imaging apparatus  100  may also include other components for users to interface with, such as, for example, key panel  140  including number keys, arrow keys, and other operation-related keys (e.g., “Back” button  141  and “Start” button  142 ) for manipulation by the user, as well as other like interfacing mechanisms. 
     Display  110  is any graphical display on user interface  105  generated from program instructions stored in memory  125  and executed by controller  120 . The program instructions may be integrated to imaging apparatus  100  upon manufacturing process thereof. Controller  120 , in communication with memory  125 , may be configured to determine which type of display  110  and/or what GUI elements to be displayed or removed on user interface  105  based on logic of the stored program instructions. 
     Display  110  includes GUI elements which may be, for example, a button, a tab, a pane, a caption, an icon, combo boxes, text boxes, a slider or track bar, a toggle switch or box, a pop-up window, arrows, and like elements for user manipulation. GUI elements on display  110  may be manipulated using hand gestures which can take the form of a tap and double tap, a hook and drag, a swiping gesture, pinching or other gestures known in the art of touch screen interaction. Alternatively, GUI elements may be manipulated by clicking of a mouse, contacting through a stylus, and similar methods of user interfacing. 
     On a structural note, user interface  105  comprises a display monitor including touch-sensitive surfaces or layers for the user&#39;s fingers to come into contact with or tap on. In the present disclosure, user interface  105  is a capacitive touch screen absorbing electrical charge from impact locations of the user&#39;s fingers or tips thereof, wherein the impact location/s may be directed to a particular GUI element on the screen. In an alternative embodiment, user interface  105  may be comprised of multiple protective screen layers operating based on a pressure applied thereon by any pointed objects wielded by the user. Controller  120  is configured to determine which GUI element(s) generated on user interface  105  is/are affected by the user&#39;s gestures thereon. With reference still on  FIG. 1 , user interface  105  generates home screen display  110 A for users to select a desired function to be executed on imaging apparatus  100 . 
     Home screen display  110 A may be generated on user interface  105  upon first power on of imaging apparatus  100  (e.g., using “Start” button  142 ), upon resumption of imaging apparatus  100  after hibernation, or upon selection of a “Home” button from a portion of user interface  105  or from key panel  140  configured to display home screen display  110 A. Home screen display  110 A as well as any other displays  110  for display on user interface  105  includes top  110 - 1 , bottom  110 - 2 , and left and right sides ( 110 - 3  and  110 - 4 , respectively) that altogether defines the display area in which GUI elements are to be confined. In the present disclosure, home screen display  110 A includes main panel  112 A including a plurality of captioned icons  112 A- 1  to  112 A- 10  that each correspond to a respective function imaging apparatus  100  may be capable of performing, namely: “Copy” icon  112 A- 1 , “Scan” icon  112 A- 2 , “Fax” icon  112 A- 3 , “Print” icon  112 A- 4 , “USB” icon  112 A- 5 , “Forms” icon  112 A- 6 , “E-mail” icon  112 A- 7 , “Scan to Cloud” icon  112 A- 8 , “Search Jobs” icon  112 A- 9 , and “Eco-Settings” icon  112 A- 10 . Captioned icons  112 A- 1  to  112 A- 10  may be arranged in a particular manner on main panel  112 A, such as in a grid format or in a scrollable list view. 
     How icons  112 A- 1  to  112 - 10  and other information on home screen display  110 A are to be arranged is limited within such display area. For example, icons  112 A- 1  to  112 A- 10  are initially displayed on home screen display  110 A. If other contents (i.e., captioned icons, information relating to imaging apparatus  100  itself or events thereon, etc.) are to be shown on home screen display  110 A, the currently displayed set of contents on main panel  112 A (captioned icons  112 A- 1  and  112 A- 10 ) is operative to be scrolled across user interface  105  to show another set of contents. Moving between a first set of content and a second set of content on main panel  112 A can be performed by dragging a portion of main panel  112 A from left to right or vice-versa of the display, as suggested by left and right arrows  112 A- 11 A and  112 A- 11 B respectively. A scrolling indicator ( 112 A- 12 ) may be provided on main panel  112 A to indicate an extent of user interface  105  that may be scrolled or a length of user interface  105  to which content on main panel  112 A may be panned. Of course, other embodiments of a home screen display besides that depicted by home screen display  110 A will be apparent in the art. 
     As each of captioned icons  112 A- 1  to  112 A- 10  is representative of a function imaging apparatus  100  is configured to perform, each icon is operative to be selected independently. Upon generation of home screen display  110 A, controller  120  detects whether any of captioned icons  112 A- 1  to  112 A- 10  has been selected by a user. A user of imaging apparatus  100  can “select” any captioned icon on home screen display  110 A (or any GUI element on any display  110  for that matter), through gestures, as discussed. When controller  120  detects that a captioned icon has been selected, the selected captioned icon is indicated—i.e., highlighted in a shaded box as depicted by “Copy” icon  112 A- 1  on  FIG. 1 —on user interface  105 . Other methods in selecting a function to be executed on imaging apparatus  100  are apparent to skilled artisans. 
     In response to detecting selection of a function in the form of selecting one of captioned icons  112 A- 1  to  112 A- 10  on home screen display  110 A, a function landing screen display is generated. A function landing screen display refers to one type of display  110  containing the plurality of settings and options associated with the selected function each embodied in a GUI element, as typified in the following embodiments. Regardless of whether for relatively large or relatively small sizes of user interface  105 , a function landing screen display features an optimal arrangement of settings and associated options on user interface  105  for user viewing and manipulation. Since the number of elements that may be generated or displayed on user interface  105  is dependent on a size or available display space thereon, different function landing screen displays are generated for relatively large user interfaces (i.e., function landing screen display  110 B) and for relatively small user interfaces (i.e., function landing screen displays  110 C,  110 D). As will be depicted in  FIGS. 3A-3E , function landing screen display  110 B bifurcates user interface  105  into two portions—settings pane  310  lists the plurality of settings associated with the user-selected function while adjacent to it is preset pane  320  featuring a preconfigured set of settings and options for the same function. Transparent drawer  330  is operative to be launched and hovered or closed over preset pane  320  for displaying other specific settings and/or options associated with settings from settings pane  310 , as will be discussed herein. For relatively small user interfaces, function landing screen display  110 C is first generated for displaying the preconfigured set of settings and options for user selection (i.e., preset pane  520 ) and a link (i.e., “Settings” button  505 ) for use in launching a second function landing screen display (function landing screen display  110 D). Similar to function landing screen display  110 B, function landing screen display  110 D bifurcates a display area thereof into two portions in the form of a resizable settings pane  510 . 
     How relatively large or relatively small a user interface ( 105 ) of a particular imaging apparatus is may be categorized by an organization. More particularly, how relatively large or small a user interface ( 105 ) may be may be dependent on its display resolution or how many graphical pixels can be accommodated thereon. Relatively large user interfaces for Lexmark&#39;s next-generation multifunction products (MFPs), for example, are those that have a length of substantially 7 inches, while sizes for relatively small user interfaces are those that have a length of substantially 4.3 inches, horizontal-wise. Methods in generating function landing screen displays  110 B,  110 C, and  110 D and their respective GUI elements on user interface  105  for users to indicate preferred options in executing a selected function are performed by controller  120  and detailed by flowcharts  200  and  400  in respective  FIGS. 2 and 4 . 
     Function Landing Screen Displays for Relatively Large User Interfaces 
     In  FIG. 1 , when controller  120  detects the selection of “Copy” icon  112 A- 1  in home screen display  110 A, “Copy” function landing screen display  110 B is generated on user interface  105  for receiving preferred options from users in executing the “Copy” function (block  205 ,  FIG. 2 ). As depicted in  FIG. 3A , in generating function landing screen display  110 B, controller  120  bifurcates into two portions a display area of user interface  105  being defined by the distance between left side  110 - 3  and right side  110 - 4 . Specifically, the display area of user interface  105  is bifurcated into two portions vertically such that the two resulting portions consist of a first portion being disposed adjacent to left side  110 - 3  (i.e., typified by settings pane  310 ) and a second portion being disposed adjacent to right side  110 - 4  (typified by preset pane  320 ). As depicted in  FIG. 3A , each of settings pane  310  and preset pane  320  is simultaneously visible to the user on user interface  105  and is operative to be independently manipulated. 
     Settings pane  310  includes settings associated with the function selected by the user. Each setting on settings pane  310  is an independent graphical element (i.e., setting tab  314 N, with N referring to a positioning of the list of settings on settings pane  314 ) for selection. Selecting a setting can be performed by the user through selecting a desired setting tab  314 N on settings pane  310 . For identifying the setting a particular setting tab  314  is representative of, each setting on settings pane  310  may include information associated with the setting. Accordingly, each setting tab  314 N includes at least one of icon  314 N- 1  and text  314 N- 2  for identifying the setting the said tab is representative of. Other types of identifiers may also be included for identifying the setting tab  314  is representative of such as, for example, a logo or other graphical elements. Additionally, each setting tab  314  includes text or option identifier placeholder  314 N- 3  indicating a default option and/or a user-selected option for the same setting. Text  314 N- 3  may be operative to change when a selection is made by the user on drawer  330 . For example, while a drawer  330  is executing adjacent to a selected setting tab  314 N, controller  120  determines whether any option besides the default option associated with the selected setting tab has been selected by the user. Upon a positive determination, controller  120  automatically indicates the selected option as text  314 N- 3  in the selected setting tab  314 N in replacement of the default option or an option selected at a previous instant for storage in memory  125  and use in executing the selected function. Settings pane  310  may further include scrollbar  312  operative to allow a user to scroll through the settings thereon; scrollbar  312  may be utilized by the user to move through the settings on settings pane  310  in an up and down motion, as suggested by up arrow  312 - 1  and down arrow  312 - 2 . 
     With reference back on  FIG. 1 , “Copy” function may be selected by the user through selection of “Copy” icon  112 A- 1  on home screen display  110 A. In the present disclosure, each setting associated with the “Copy” function is referred to as setting tab  314 N with the corresponding information thereon as icon  314 N- 1 , text or setting identifier  314 N- 2 , and text or option identifier placeholder  314 N- 3 . As depicted thereon, settings associated with the “Copy” function may include, for example, “Content” setting tab  314 A, “Paper Details” setting tab  314 B, “Scale” setting tab  314 C, “Darkness” setting tab  314 D, “Custom Job” setting tab  314 E, “Finishing Options” setting tab  314 F, and other similar settings  314 N. 
     Adjacent to settings pane  310  in  FIG. 3A  is preset pane  320 . Preset pane  320  includes another set of settings associated with a selected function and options associated with each of the settings for selection. In contrast to settings on settings pane  310 , settings on preset pane  320  include a preconfigured set of featured, commonly used, or predetermined to be the most important settings for the user-selected function. In the same example, preset pane  320  for the “Copy” function may include copy number setting  322 , color setting  324 , copy source setting  326 , and copy destination setting  328  (besides image  321  representative of the input document) as the number of copies, how the input document may be produced, and the source and destination of the input and output documents, respectively, are often the essential aspects to be determined prior to executing the selected function. Each of settings  322 ,  324 ,  326 , and  328  on preset pane  320  includes respective option selectors  322 - 1  and  322 - 2 ;  324 - 1 ;  326 - 1 ; and  328 - 1 , respectively positioned next to it. An option selector may refer to any GUI element for enclosing all the preconfigured options to choose from that are associated with a setting (may it be on settings pane  310 , preset pane  320 , or drawer  330 ). An option selector is further operative to respond to user input or gestures and may be, for example, a toggle combo box, a drop-down combo list, a text box, and like GUI selector elements for dynamically generating options for user selection. 
     In other example embodiments where options to be selected are minimal in number, the said options may be presented all at once or at one time on the corresponding portion in the executing display for users to view and select on. As such, the same options may not be embedded in an option selector. In  FIG. 3C  for instance, “Content Type” setting  333  associated with the “Content” setting on settings pane  310  may only be consisted of four options for users to choose from, namely: “Photo” option  333 - 1 , “Text”, option  333 - 2 , “Graphics” option  333 - 3 , and “Text/Photo” option  333 - 4 . As such, when “Content” setting tab  314  is detected by controller  120  to be selected by the user in settings pane  310 , the said four options may be displayed next to each other for users to view simultaneously and select on instead of being altogether embedded into an appropriate option selector. 
     With reference back on  FIG. 3A , each option selector on preset pane  320  (or on any type of display  110 ) may indicate an option next to it, as depicted by identifiers  322 - 3 ,  324 - 2 ,  326 - 2  and  328 - 2  for copy number setting  322 , color setting  324 , copy source setting  326 , and copy destination setting  328 , respectively, enclosed in boxes. Initially or upon execution of function landing screen display  110 B, each of identifiers  322 - 3 ,  324 - 2 ,  326 - 2  and  328 - 2  may display a default or preset option for the setting it is associated with. For example, the default option for copy source setting  326  is the “manual feeder” option as indicated by identifier  326 - 2 . 
     While function landing screen display  110 B is executing on user interface  105 , controller  120  detects whether or not an option besides the default option is selected on preset pane  320  through their respective options selectors (optional block  210 ,  FIG. 2 ). Each of option identifiers  322 - 3 ,  324 - 2 ,  326 - 2  and  328 - 2  adjacent to corresponding settings  322 ,  324 ,  326  and  328  are operative to be changed when another option has been selected by the user (i.e., preferred option) through respective option selectors  322 - 1  and  322 - 2 ;  324 - 1 ;  326 - 1 ; and  328 - 1 . For example, a user may prefer to increase a number of copies to be produced for an input document from the displayed default option “100” on identifier  322 - 3 . Copy number option selectors less-than sign  322 - 1  and greater-than sign  322 - 2  may be used to indicate the preferred decrease or increase in the copy number relative to the option displayed on identifier  322 - 3 . For example, to indicate the preferred decrease in the number of document copies from the option identifier  322 - 3 , users are required to tap less-than sign  322 - 1 . Otherwise, to indicate the preferred increase in the number of document copies relative to the default or currently selected option  322 - 3 , greater-than sign  322 - 2  is available for selection. 
     In the same context, controller  120  is configured to determine a number of times or a length of time the user&#39;s fingers has contacted with either of the two signs. For example, a single tap on greater-than sign  322 - 2  may be interpreted by controller  120  as a desired increase of one in the copy number shown on identifier  322 - 3 . In other example embodiments, the length of time the user&#39;s finger(s) came into contact with an option selector may be used to determine the preferred increase or decrease in the number of copies to be produced for the input document. As such, for each second that a user&#39;s finger is in contact with less-than sign  322 - 1 , the number of copies indicated on identifier  322 - 3  may be decreased by one, depending on how the option selectors are programmed to operate on user interface  105 . 
     In another example still on  FIG. 3A , the toggle combo box adjacent to copy destination setting  328  may be copy destination option selector  328 - 1 . When it has been detected by controller  120  that a user&#39;s finger has contacted with copy destination option selector  328 - 1 , another text option is displayed on option  328 - 2 , such that at each time the user&#39;s finger contacts with copy destination option selector  328 - 1 , option identifier  328 - 2  changes. Alternatively, copy destination option selector  328 - 1  may be a drop-down combo box operative to generate a list of preconfigured options to choose from for users to select a preferred option. Generating the list may be performed in a scrollable, drop-down manner. In another example, option selector  324 - 1  associated with color setting  324  may be a toggle switch operative to be swiped to the right or left for changing the option indicated on adjacent option identifier  324 - 2  (e.g., “Auto”). Regardless of the nature of operation of an option selector, any selection of options made by the user on preset pane  320  are detected by controller  120  and stored into memory  125  for use in executing the function at a later instance. It may also be apparent in the art that the option selection step of block  210  (flowchart  200 ,  FIG. 2 ) may be performed at any time while function landing screen display  110 B is shown on user interface  105  prior to execution of the selected function. 
     While function landing screen display  110 B is on display on user interface  105 , controller  120  detects whether or not a particular setting tab  314 N is selected by the user on settings pane  310  (block  215  of  FIG. 2 ). Selection of setting on settings pane  310  is also performed by tapping on a desired setting tab  314 N on settings pane  310 . Upon an affirmative detection, the selected settings tab  314 N is highlighted on settings pane  310 , which is depicted in  FIG. 3B  as “Content” setting tab  314 A filled with a bunch of dots. In  FIG. 3B , consequent to such selection, drawer or specific options pane  330  is launched (block  220 ,  FIG. 2 ). In the present disclosure, drawer  330  is another pane on user interface  105  for independent user manipulation. In contrast to the preset settings and options on preset pane  320 , drawer  330  includes a number of options specifically associated with the selected setting tab  314 N on settings pane  310  and/or other more specific settings associated with the selected setting tab. For example, when “Content” setting tab  314 A is selected by the user on settings pane  310 , drawer  330  may include “Content Source”  332  and “Content Type”  333  settings that are both related to the “Content” setting. As shown from  FIGS. 3C to 3E , adjacent to “Content Source” setting  332  are content source option selector  332 - 1  for allowing users to go through each available option for the said setting and option identifier  332 - 2  that displays the user-selected option. Similar to preset pane  320 , option identifier  332 - 2  on drawer  330  may initially display or highlight upon launching thereof, the default or preconfigured option for specific setting  332 . For example, “Inkjet” may be configured as the default option for the “Content Source” setting and this is indicated in option identifier  332 - 2 . 
     Drawer  330  has an area substantially equal to that of preset pane  320  such that, for example, an area of drawer  330  is within bounds of preset pane  320  for distinguishing drawer  330  from preset pane  320 . Additionally, drawer  330  has a transparent surface such that contents on preset pane  320  (i.e., copy number setting  322 , color setting  324 , copy source setting  326 , and copy destination setting  328 ; corresponding option selectors  322 - 1  and  322 - 2 ,  324 - 1 ,  326 - 1  and  328 - 1 ; and option identifiers  322 - 3 ;  324 - 2 ;  326 - 2 ; and  328 - 2 , respectively) are substantially recognizable when drawer  330  hovers over preset pane  320 . Considering its transparency, drawer  330  allows the same content on preset pane  320  (grouped as content  331 ,  FIGS. 3B-3E ) to be seen through by users. 
     With reference still on  FIG. 3B , drawer  330  is operative to be launched in a sliding manner from a side of user interface  105  when a particular setting tab  314 N is selected from settings pane  310 . As shown from  FIG. 3B-3C , drawer  330  may be operative to move from right side  110 - 4  of function landing screen display  110 B, such that when one setting tab  314  is selected from settings pane  310 , a corresponding drawer  330  glides from right side  110 - 4  until it reaches a position adjacent settings pane  310  ( FIG. 3B ) and hovering only over preset pane  320  (see  FIG. 3C ) (block  225 ). Since the plurality of settings associated with a selected function is available on settings pane  310 , there is no need for users to navigate between different displays in the user interface to select settings. Further, as drawer  330  is dynamically launched adjacent to settings pane  310  and at the same time provides a view of preset pane  320  underneath it, users will be able to choose a setting and select specific, preferred options in executing the selected function without getting lost while still having a view of the preset content  331 , as are the problems in prior user interfaces for an imaging apparatus. 
     As long as drawer  330  is open or hovering over preset pane  320 , controller  120  detects whether or not there is a selection of any option thereon. When controller  120  detects a change in option on any option selector on drawer  330  (block  230 ), the newly-selected option is configured to be now highlighted instead of the default or previously selected option. Simultaneously, the newly-selected option replaces the option reflected on text or option identifier placeholder  314 N- 3  from the setting tab associated with the drawer (block  235 ). With reference in  FIG. 3C , “Photo” option  333 - 1  may be initially set as the default option for the “Content” setting tab  314 A on setting pane  310  as indicated in option placeholder identifier  314 A- 3  and as highlighted on a shaded box in drawer  330 . When it has been determined by controller  120  in  FIG. 3D  that another option (i.e., “Text”) has been selected by the user in drawer  330  (shown as index finger hovering over “Text” option  333 - 2 ), the selected option is automatically highlighted on drawer  330 . Simultaneously in  FIG. 3E , an identifier of the selected option replaces the option indicated on text  314 A- 3 . In this way, any selection of option made by the user on drawer  330  is automatically reflected on the corresponding setting tab  314 N (specifically on text  314 N- 3 ) on settings pane  310  for referencing of the users. 
     Upon detecting any option selection from drawer  330 , controller  120  immediately stores the selected option in memory  125 . Storing the selected option in memory  125  is performed implicitly from the user, such that the user is not informed about such storage through notifications on user interface  105 . As such, time is saved, in the form of controller  120  determining the preferred options of the users in executing the selected function. 
     While drawer  330  is operative to be launched when one setting tab  314  is selected by the user, drawer  330  is also operative to be closed or configured to be not shown on user interface  105  (optional block  240 ). Closing drawer  330  may be performed through three example methods. In a first example method, controller  120  may be configured to detect for a selection of “Back” button  141  on key panel  140  of  FIG. 1  or other graphical buttons (i.e., “Back” button  349  on control bar  340 ,  FIGS. 3A and 5A ) provided on a portion of any display  110  for allowing users to close drawer  330 . In another example method for closing drawer  330 , controller  120  may detect for any swiping gesture on user interface  105  from drawer  330 . The swiping gesture may be, while the user&#39;s fingers are contacting with drawer  330 , directed to right side  110 - 4  of user interface  105 . Third, controller  120  may further be configured to detect whether the user deselected said one highlighted setting tab  314 N corresponding to drawer  330  in order to close the drawer. In this context, the selection and deselection of a particular setting tab  314 N may trigger the launching and closing of drawer  330 , respectively. 
     Another setting  314 N may be selected on settings pane  310  and simultaneously a corresponding drawer  330  may be launched. For example, the user may next select “Scale” setting tab  314 C or “Darkness” setting tab  314 D. Regardless, controller  120  detects this change in the desired setting and consequently display associated drawer  330  for displaying the options that users may choose from. Controller  120  then detects any selection of options on drawer  330  made by the user, implicitly stores it to memory  125  and reflects the selected option as text on the appropriate text or option identifier placeholder  314 N- 3 . In  FIG. 3E , since selected options are displayed on appropriate text  314 N- 3  on settings pane  310  and settings pane  310  is constantly made available to the users prior to executing a predetermined function, summary  316  of the selected options is provided to the user prior to executing any function in the sense that the preferred options can be viewed by users at one-time on the user interface. It may be apparent in the art that the user may continue to perform blocks  210 - 240  prior to execution of the function until all the preferred options in executing the function has been selected on the function landing screen display. 
     The selected function from home screen display  110 A may then be executed based on the options reflected on settings pane  310  (block  245 ). As selected options are neatly summarized as summary  316  on the constantly available settings pane  310  regardless whether or not selection of other options on drawer  330  is ongoing, the need to move between different displays  110  on user interface  105  is also being eliminated. Controller  120  detects whether the user&#39;s finger contacts with execute button  338  to activate execution of the function. Of course, other elements on user interface  105  may be utilized to activate or start execution of the function, such as, for example, “Start” button  142  on key panel  140 . 
     Function Landing Screen Displays for Relatively Small User Interfaces 
     Detailed in flowchart  400  on  FIG. 4  is another method on how to optimize a user&#39;s interfacing experience on user interfaces  105  that are relatively small in size. Since relatively small user interfaces have more limited display space(s), settings and corresponding options associated with the selected function for display still gets bifurcated on user interface  105 . While settings pane  310  and preset pane  320  are executing simultaneously on relatively large user interface(s)  105 , content  331  on preset pane  320  and settings on settings pane  310  are delegated into two separate function landing screen displays, namely, function landing screen display  110 C and  110 D, respectively. Function landing screen display  110 C typifies preset pane  320  taking up all display area of the user interface ( FIG. 5A ) and leading to function landing screen display  110 D typified by resizable settings pane  510  operative to initially take up the display area of the user interface and be reduced to one side of user interface  105  for giving space to display area  530  ( FIGS. 5D-5G ). It is to be noted that corresponding option selectors on function landing screen displays  110 C and  110 D are operative to be manipulated in the same manner as they are manipulated on relatively large user interface(s)  105  or as known in the art by skilled artisans. 
     Similarly, upon detection by controller  120  that a function has been selected by the user to be performed on imaging apparatus  100 , a function landing screen display ( 110 C) is generated on user interface  105  ( FIG. 5A ) (block  405 ). Function landing screen display  110 C acts as the primary display for relatively small user interfaces and includes substantially the same preconfigured set of content ( 331 ) to that of preset pane  320  of function landing screen display  110 B. With reference back on  FIG. 1 , when it has been determined by controller  120  that the “Copy” function is desired by the user to be performed on imaging apparatus  100  through selection of “Copy” icon  112 A- 1 , function landing screen display  110 C in  FIG. 5A  generates thereon the preconfigured settings and options associated with the selected “Copy” function, such as, for example (besides image  521  representative of the input document), copy number setting  522 , color setting  524 , copy source setting  526 , and copy destination setting  528  each having respective option selectors  522 - 1  and  522 - 2 ;  524 - 1 ;  526 - 1 ; and  528 - 1  adjacent thereof for users to utilize in selecting preferred or desired options. Similarly with preset pane  320  on function landing screen display  110 B, content on function landing screen display  110 C—inclusive of settings and options—may be those settings that are identified to be more commonly modified by users or those that are identified to be the primary ones. In generating function landing screen display  110 C first, users are allowed to indicate preferred options for the primary set of settings associated with the selected function prior to proceeding with the specific set of settings and associated options of the selected function. Controller  120  also detects whether options have been selected or changed by the user on function landing screen display  110 C through respective option selectors  522 - 1  and  522 - 2 ;  524 - 1 ;  526 - 1 ; and  528 - 1  thereon (optional block  410 ). Upon such detection, the newly-selected options are immediately stored to memory  125  and reflected on respective option identifiers  522 - 3 ,  524 - 2 ,  526 - 2 , and  528 - 2  for use in executing the selected function. 
     With reference still on  FIG. 5A , function landing screen display  110 C also includes a link, such as a GUI element (e.g., “Settings” button  505 ) operative to be used to generate another function landing screen display ( 110 D) that includes the specific set of settings and options of the same selected function. Regardless of whether or not any option has been changed in function landing screen display  110 C, when controller  120  detects that the user selected “Settings” button  505  (as depicted by an index finger contacting “Setting” button  505 ), function landing screen display  110 D is generated on user interface  105  (block  415 ). 
     Now in  FIG. 5B , function landing screen display  110 D is comprised of a resizable settings pane ( 510 ) which includes substantially the same content to that of settings pane  310  of function landing screen display  110 B for relatively large user interfaces. Resizable settings pane  510  initially takes up the display area of the user interface defined by top  110 - 1 , bottom  110 - 2 , and left and right sides  110 - 3  and  110 - 4 , respectively. Likewise, each setting included in settings pane  510  is to be treated as an independent setting tab  514 N or any other similar GUI element for selection of a user that may include an icon  514 N- 1 , text  514 N- 2  identifying the setting, and/or text or option identifier placeholder  514 N- 3  identifying the default or user-selected option for the same setting tab. When it has been determined by controller  120 , for example, that the user wishes to perform the “Copy” function on imaging apparatus  100  through detecting selection of “Copy” icon  112 A- 1  from  FIG. 1 , function landing screen display  110 D generates settings and options associated with the selected “Copy” function. In  FIG. 5B , for example, “Content” setting tab  514 A, “Paper Details” setting tab  514 B, “Scale” setting tab  514 C, “Darkness” setting tab  514 D, “Custom Job” setting tab  514 E, and “Finishing Options” setting tab  514 F are generated on the user interface. Similarly, the said settings are operative to be scrolled upwards or downwards when taken as a whole, as suggested by up arrow  512 - 1  and down arrow  512 - 2  in  FIG. 5B . Scrollbar  512  may be utilized to perform the scrolling. 
     Upon detecting that one setting tab ( 514 ) on resizable settings pane  510  has been selected by the user at a first instance function landing screen display  110 D is being generated on user interface  105  (block  420 ), controller  120  highlights the selected setting tab. In  FIG. 5C , for example, the user selects “Content” setting tab  514 A and “Content” setting tab  514 A in turn is highlighted or shaded. Further, settings pane  510  is not only operative to be scrolled in an up and down motion ( FIG. 5B ) but is also operative to be resized when a setting tab thereon has been selected. Specifically, settings pane  510  automatically reduces its width (defined by the distance between left side  110 - 3  to right side  110 - 4  of function landing screen display  110 D) (block  425 ). As depicted from  FIGS. 5D-5G , settings pane  510  is operative to be automatically positioned to one side (i.e., to left side  110 - 3 ) of user interface  105  in addition to highlighting the selected setting tab. With settings pane  510  being smaller, information associated with each setting may be decreased, leaving out only the respective icons  514 N- 1  instead of having all of the setting and option identifiers (icon  514 N- 1 , text  514 N- 2 , and text  514 N- 3 ). Alternatively, other graphical identifiers that do not take a lot of space may be used to identify each setting when settings pane  510  is being reduced. Even in its reduced state, resizable settings pane  510  is still operative to be scrolled across an area of user interface  105  to allow viewing of all specific settings or icons  514 - 1  associated with the function—with or without scrollbar  512 , as suggested by up and down arrows  512 - 3  and  512 - 4 , respectively (shown in  FIG. 5D ). 
     Thus, with settings pane  510  being reduced, a display area ( 530 ) is made available adjacent to it on user interface  105  for accommodating specific options associated with the selected setting corresponding to any selected setting tab  514 N. This way, any icon  514 N- 1  representative of a specific setting associated with the selected function can be selected on resizable settings pane  510 , and options associated with the selected icon/setting can be simultaneously viewed and selected by users on display area  530  adjacent to it. Such specific options to be presented on display area  530  for relatively small user interfaces are to be noted as the same options to be presented on drawer  330  for relatively large user interfaces and still depend on the selected setting from settings pane  510  embodied by selection of an icon  514 N- 1  thereon. When a collective content on display area  530  cannot be contained within its limits on user interface  105  (limits being defined as the area available for generating GUI elements), display area  530  is operative to be scrolled upwards or downwards. In  FIGS. 5F-5H , for example, scrollbar  531  is made available to perform upwards and downwards scrolling, for example, as is suggested by up arrow  512 - 5  and down arrow  512 - 6  in  FIG. 5F . 
     Since icons that correspond to the selected function can be selected from resizable settings pane  510  anytime and content for display on display area  530  is dynamically changed depending on the selected icon on settings pane  510 , users can select a setting specific to a function and preferred options without having to move through a number of displays on user interface  105 , similar to how drawer  330  improves the user&#39;s experience with regards to selecting preferred options on relatively large user interfaces. With reference back to  FIG. 5C , when “Content” setting tab  514 A has been determined by controller  120  to be selected from the (expanded) settings pane  510 , settings pane  510  is being reduced to accommodate specific options associated thereof. Consequently, in  FIG. 5D , “Content” icon  514 A- 1  on the reduced settings pane  510  is being highlighted and a set of content associated with the “Content” setting are generated on display area  530 . Said content associated with the selected “Content” setting tab from  FIG. 5C  may include the following: “Content Source” setting  532  and “Content Type” setting  533  with respective options to choose from as displayed thereon. 
     Default options are indicated on display area  530 . For example, “Content Source” setting  532  may indicate “Inkjet” on option identifier  532 - 2  as its default option; however, this may be changed by the user through manipulation of content source option selector  532 - 1  adjacent thereof. When options are minimal in number and are individually laid out, the default option may be highlighted. For example, “Content Type” setting  533  may indicate “Photo” option  533 - 1  as its default option among all the other options available, i.e., “Text” option  533 - 2 , “Graphics” option  533 - 3 , “Text/Photo” option  533 - 4 , and like options. With the available options all laid out, users can change the highlighted option into another by direct selection. Any option changes on display area  530  are also detected by controller  120 , highlighted on display area  530 , and implicitly stored to memory  125  (block  430 ). 
     In another example, users can select another specific setting by selecting any other icon  514 N- 1  on resizable settings pane  510  corresponding to another specific setting. Upon doing so, options associated the selected icon/setting are generated on display area  530 . With reference now in  FIGS. 5F-5G , the user may select “Scale” setting icon  514 C- 1  on resizable settings pane  510 , and as a result, options associated with the “Scale” setting are automatically generated on display area  530 , i.e., “25%” option  534 - 1 , “50%” option  534 - 2 , “100%” option  534 - 3 , and like options. In the same example, default option “100%” ( 534 - 3 ) for the “Scale” setting may be changed to “50%” (option  534 - 2 ) by the user ( FIG. 5G ) and controller  120  implicitly stores this change in memory  125  as the preferred option for “Scale” setting in executing the selected “Copy” function. 
     Settings pane  510 , as it is being displayed on function landing screen display  110 D, is further responsive to a leftward or rightward swiping gesture on user interface  105  for resizing. In  FIG. 5G , for example, at any time while resizable settings pane  510  and display area  530  are simultaneously visible on function landing screen display  110 D, thereby bifurcating user interface  105 , resizable settings pane  510  can be swiped to a right of user interface  105  for expansion and thereby exposing content on the specific setting tabs  514 N besides their respective icons  514 N- 1  as suggested by right arrow  512 - 7  ( FIG. 5H ) (block  435 ). When in its expanded state, resizable settings pane  510  shows each option selected from display area  530  on their respective text or option identifier placeholders  514 N- 3  and takes up again the display area of the user interface. 
     With reference back to  FIGS. 5E and 5G , “Text” option  533 - 2  and “50%” option  534 - 2  may be stored in memory  125  as the user-preferred options for “Content” setting  514 A and “Scale” setting  514 C, respectively. Now in  FIG. 5H , users may swipe or drag a portion of settings pane  510  into right side  110 - 4  of user interface  105  for expansion and in its expanded state in  FIG. 5I , changes in the preferred options are reflected on respective text or option identifier placeholders  514 A- 3  and  514 C- 3 . As such, when settings pane  510  is in its expanded state, a summary of the selected options is provided to the users prior to executing the function, much like to summary  316  on  FIG. 3E . 
     Users may want to resume selection of preferred options on drawer  530 . To return settings pane  510  to its reduced state and present display area  530 , the users can either select a particular setting tab  514 N thereon or drag a portion of the settings pane  510  to left side  110 - 3  of user interface  105 , invoking closure (suggested by left arrow  512 - 8 ,  FIG. 5I ). Other alternative methods for expanding or reducing settings pane  530  may include the use of buttons or a combination of touch screen interaction methods known to skilled artisans. Options presented on display area  530  when resizable settings pane  510  is in its reduced state may be the same options that were displayed prior to its reduction. Similar to how drawer  330  for relatively large user interfaces optimizes the display area on user interface  105 , the use of resizable settings pane  510  also prevents users from feeling lost while selecting settings and preferred options thereof. 
     Wherever the user may be on relatively small user interface  105 , be it on function landing screen display  110 C or  110 D, a GUI element (e.g., execute button  348 ) may be provided for activating execution of the function based on the selected options reflected on respective text or option identifier placeholders  514 N- 3  on resizable settings pane  510 . Said GUI element may be found on a portion of function landing screen display  110 C or  110 D, i.e., control bar  340  ( FIG. 5A ). Controller  120  may be configured to detect whether the said GUI element has been selected ( FIG. 5J ) and if so, retrieve the options stored in memory  125  and execute the function using the stored options (block  440 ). As each specific setting has a default or preconfigured option in imaging apparatus  100  that may either be retained or changed, the set of options used by controller  120  in executing the selected function may purely consist of either default options or user-selected options or may be combination of default and user-selected options. 
     Additional Elements on Function Landing Screen Displays 
     Function landing screen displays  110 B ( FIGS. 3A-3E ),  110 C ( FIG. 5A ) and  110 D ( FIGS. 5B-5J ) may further include a control bar ( 340 ) for indicating information related to the selected function as the user navigates thereon. Control bar  340  may be disposed adjacent top side  110 - 1  of function landing screen displays  110 B,  110 C,  110 D for users to reference. As depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 5A , control bar  340  may include identifier  342  which may be a text caption thereon identifying the function to be executed; a group of icons for executing one or more actions associated with the selected function, such as, for example, shortcut icon  344  for storing data on a currently generating display to memory  125 ; overflow icon  346  for executing one or more actions specific to the selected function (e.g., print sample copy, reset all, etc.); and/or aforementioned execute button  348  for activating execution of the selected function based on the selected or preferred options that are stored in memory  125 . For relatively small user interfaces, identifier  342  may be operative to change based on the display ( 110 ) being generated. With reference to  FIGS. 5A to 5C , identifier  342  may indicate the function being selected, which in these examples is the “Copy” function. In succeeding displays on  FIGS. 5D-5E and 5F-5G , identifier  342  may indicate the setting being selected on settings pane  510 , such are “Content” and “Scale” settings, respectively. Since settings pane  510  on its reduced state only includes icons that are associated with the settings thereon, identifier  342  serves as a guide for users to know what setting is the selected icon associated with. In addition, execute button  348  for relatively small user interfaces  105  may include text  348 - 1  to indicate the function being performed. Of course, other GUI elements, regardless for relatively large or smaller user interfaces, may be preconfigured to be placed on control bar  340  for indicating other information related to the selected function or to the imaging apparatus ( 100 ) to which the function is to be executed. 
     Imaging apparatus  100  may include one or more events thereon that may need the user&#39;s attention. An event can take the form of an update to an active process (i.e., a function being currently executed), errors or warnings directed to components or imaging supplies (e.g., toner, paper, etc.), and like activities on imaging apparatus  100 . Controller  120  is typically configured to detect whether or not imaging apparatus  100  is having one or more events thereon. A notification may be determined by controller  120  to be appropriate for each event to be detected on imaging apparatus  100  such as, for example, an audio clip, a pop-up window citing information regarding the event, or a text message indicative of the event(s) on imaging apparatus  100 , or a combination thereof. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5K , each display  110  on user interface  105  may include a notifications bar ( 114 A) for displaying information relating to imaging apparatus  100  itself or one or more events thereon. Notifications bar  114 A may be disposed adjacent top  110 - 1  of the display for users to easily view. Information on notifications bar  114 A may include a profile of imaging apparatus  100  (i.e., model or framework used, network location, system date and time, etc.) or of a user (i.e., badge identification, authenticated username, etc.) thereof. Each event on imaging apparatus  100  may be represented as an icon on notifications bar  114 A and may be arranged in a particular manner such as, for example according to a degree of severity as predetermined by controller  120 . Icons indicating active process (icon  114 A- 1 ), warnings (icon  114 A- 2 ) or errors ( 114 A- 3 ) on imaging apparatus  100  may be arranged from a leftmost portion of notifications bar  114 A or adjacent left side  110 - 4  of user interface  105 . An identifier (e.g., “Guest”) of the authenticated user of imaging apparatus  100  may also be provided as text  114 A- 4  on notification bar  114 A. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , a center portion ( 114 A- 5 ) of notifications bar  114 A may be used for displaying a roll-in message indicative of a latest event on imaging apparatus  100 ; the roll-in message may be moving from point A to point B on the notification bar. In other examples, notification bar  114 A or a portion thereof may be operative to be generated in a particular color that corresponds to the severity of a new event (e.g., blue for active processes, yellow for warnings, red for errors, etc.). Other information relating to imaging apparatus  100  being used or to the function being executed thereon may also be added to notifications bar  114 A. 
     In another example embodiment, notifications bar  114 A is operative to be expanded to show more details associated with notifications. In  FIGS. 3A and 5A , for example, gripper  114 A- 6  may be operative to be pulled downward by users from a portion of top side  110 - 1  of user interface  105  for expanding and thereby showing more details regarding the same notifications while selection of preferred options may be ongoing. Hook-and-dragging notifications bar  114 A while icons and other information are displayed thereon thus creates a “peeking” effect such that, when notification bar  114 A is in its expanded state, queue  115 A of message notifications each corresponding to an icon shown thereon is presented on user interface  105 , as depicted in  FIG. 5K . For example, active process icon  114 A- 1 , warning icon  114 A- 2 , and error icon  114 A- 3  may each respectively correspond to active process-related message  115 A- 2 , warning-related message  115 A- 3 , and error-related message  115 A- 4 . 
     Notifications on queue  115 A may also include a status update of imaging apparatus  100  with regards to execution of a function thereon. In the same figure, message  115 A- 1  relates to imaging apparatus  100  being prepared or ready to execute any functions thereon. Each notification on queue  115 A which relates to an event on imaging apparatus  100  may be a link operative to be selected by the user to show more details specific to the particular notification. For example, warning-related message  115 A- 3  may be selected by the user to determine more information relating to the warning. Additionally, a button may be provided adjacent to a notification (i.e., “Cancel” button  115 A- 5 ) for removing the same notifications on queue  115 A. It may also be noted that one or more notifications on queue  115 A may be automatically removed by controller  120  thereon when it is determined that the one or more events causing the said notifications have been resolved. Date and time on imaging apparatus  100  as well as a network location thereof may also be displayed on notifications bar  114 A in the form of, for example, text  114 A- 7  and  114 A- 8 , respectively, as is apparent in the art. Buttons, links, or other GUI elements may also be provided on notifications bar  114 A for users to proactively determine status of supplies on imaging apparatus (i.e., button  114 A- 9 ) or active process thereon (i.e., button  114 A- 10 ), regardless of a presence of a related message notification on queue  115 A. How notification bar  114 A may be oriented on user interface  105  and how information thereon may be arranged as well as how the GUI elements may be operative to perform on user interface  105  are hardwired onto memory  125  or controller  120  of imaging apparatus  100  upon manufacturing process. 
     Relative advantages of the many embodiments should now be apparent to skilled artisans. They include but are not limited to: (1) optimizing use of display spaces for relatively large and for smaller user interfaces; (2) simultaneous execution of panes and other elements using bifurcated displays thereby reducing the need to navigate through multiple displays, and (3) providing methods for users to simultaneously select options while viewing a real-time summary of the selected options prior to execution of the function. 
     The foregoing illustrates various aspects of the invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive. Rather, it is chosen to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention. All modifications and variations are contemplated within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims. Relatively apparent modifications include combining one or more features of various embodiments with features of other embodiments.