Browser Tab Print Preview Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current web browsers limit user accessibility and efficiency when printing documents, as they often require opening a new window for print preview, which can be cumbersome and lack a viewable preview of the print appearance, leading to potential waste of time, toner, and paper.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow a print preview to be displayed within the same browser window as the document, by creating a second tab with a print option area, enabling users to view how the document will appear printed and receive a final print indication without leaving the original tab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a new window is opened for print preview, then the print preview can be displayed, but the user accessibility and efficiency are reduced due to the need to switch windows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the print preview function with the existing browser window by displaying the print preview in a new tab within the same browser interface. This allows users to access print preview without opening a completely new window, thus improving ease of operation while reducing the complexity of window switching between separate applications or windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new tab dimension within the browser to display print preview, rather than opening a separate window. This dimensional change (from separate window to tab within same window) allows the print preview to be accessed within the existing browser context, improving user accessibility and reducing the need to switch between different window spaces.
2Productivity
If a new window is opened for printing, then the print function can be accessed, but time is wasted due to the cumbersome process of opening and switching windows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by displaying the print preview in a new tab before the user initiates the actual print job. This allows users to preview the print appearance, check formatting, and confirm printer settings in advance within the same browser session, eliminating the need to switch windows and reducing overall time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the print preview and actual printing functions within the same browser tab environment. By merging these functions, users can access both preview and print capabilities without opening separate windows, thereby improving productivity and reducing the time lost to window switching and application switching.
3Loss of substance
If print preview is not available, then the printing process is simple, but toner and paper are wasted due to lack of viewable preview
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the document's print appearance by displaying a preview of how the document will look when printed. This copy is presented in a new tab within the browser, allowing users to examine the print layout, formatting, and content without actually printing the document, thus preventing toner and paper waste while adding minimal complexity to the printing system.
4Ease of operation
If a separate window is used for print options, then the print function can be accessed, but user satisfaction is reduced due to cumbersome operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the print options interface with the browser's existing tab structure. Instead of opening a separate window with print options, the system creates a new tab that displays both the document and print-related controls within the same browser interface. This integration improves user satisfaction by eliminating the need to switch between separate window spaces while maintaining a clean and simple interface structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for printing of a document using tabs. An indication of a print command is received to print a first instance of a document displayed in a first tab on a browser. A second tab is displayed with a second instance of the document upon receiving the indication of the print command, wherein the second tab with the second instance of the document is visible, and the first instance of the document displayed in the first tab is hidden by the second tab displaying the second instance of the document. A print option area is displayed relative to the second instance of the document in the second tab. A final print indication is received from the print option area.