AI Print Setting Generation From Natural Language Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing document printing technologies require manual selection and setting of print formats and specific document portions, lacking automation in identifying and formatting desired print content.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism utilizing generative AI to dynamically generate print settings based on natural language input, considering document content and device capabilities, to facilitate effortless print setting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual selection and setting of print formats and document portions is used, then user control over print content is achieved, but user effort and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser effort in print settingsVSAvoidautomation in identifying and formatting print content
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the print function to automatically identify and format desired document portions through natural language processing. The print setting generation unit autonomously analyzes the document and user intent to generate appropriate print settings without requiring manual configuration, making the system serve itself in configuring print parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Natural language serves as an intermediary between the user and the complex print setting parameters. Instead of directly manipulating technical print settings, users provide high-level natural language instructions that the system translates into specific print configurations, bridging the gap between user intent and system execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If generative AI is used to dynamically generate print settings, then automation and user effort reduction are achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation in generating print settingsVSAvoidcomplexity of AI-based print setting system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The print setting generation unit serves multiple functions: it performs natural language processing, document analysis, print parameter determination, and settings generation. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional component, the system achieves high automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual print setting configuration with an AI-based intelligent system. Instead of using conventional interfaces requiring manual selection and configuration, the system employs generative AI to automatically generate print settings, substituting complex mechanical interaction with intelligent software processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If product information is prepared in advance for printing, then print format options are available, but flexibility in handling unique documents is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different document typesVSAvoidpre-prepared product information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The print setting generation system is dynamic rather than static. Instead of relying on pre-prepared fixed print templates, the system dynamically generates print settings based on the specific document content and user requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to any document type without being constrained by pre-defined categories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes print parameters dynamically based on document analysis and user intent. Rather than selecting from fixed pre-prepared options, the AI model adjusts various print parameters (such as page ranges, layout, formatting) to match the specific characteristics of each document, achieving high adaptability without requiring extensive pre-prepared information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4700562A1Storage medium, information processing apparatus, and method
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 CANON KK
  • EP4700562A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4700562A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4700562A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The disclosure is directed to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that causes a computer of an information processing apparatus to function to: receive natural language related to a print setting; acquire a print setting by inputting the received natural language and a print target to generative Al; propose a print setting based on the acquired print setting; and update a print setting in response to a response to the proposal.