Dynamic Page Layout for Multiple Data Source Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data processing systems lack the ability to efficiently organize and print multiple data sources from different network resources in a single hardcopy, as they typically restrict the number of pages per sheet and do not facilitate flexible organization of content.
Innovation Solution
A software configuration and graphical user interface are implemented to allow users to collect, sort, and organize multiple data sources for printing, enabling flexible page formatting and arrangement of pages per sheet, with options to preview and edit the layout before printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional presentation applications use a single selection of slides per page, then the printing process is simple, but the flexibility and organization of printed content is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of slides per page based on user selection for each individual page rather than applying a fixed configuration across all pages. This allows the printing system to adapt its layout dynamically, enabling different pages to have different numbers of slides (e.g., Page 1 with 2 slides, Page 2 with 3 slides) while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing process is segmented into individual page configurations, where each page can be independently configured with its own slide count. This segmentation allows users to specify different slide-per-page settings for different pages, providing fine-grained control over the printed output without requiring a completely complex system redesign.
2Productivity
If multiple data sources from different network resources are printed page-by-page, then the printing process is simple, but the organization and efficiency of the hardcopy output is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary organization of multiple data sources from different network resources before the printing process. Users can collect, sort, and arrange all desired pages and data sources in advance, specifying the exact sequence and configuration before printing begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual page-by-page printing and significantly improves hardcopy production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple data sources from different network resources into a single organized print job. Instead of printing each source separately, the system combines them into one cohesive printing process that can output multiple pages with multiple slides per page, improving productivity while managing complexity through unified processing.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional systems print web pages page-by-page, then each page is printed accurately, but the overall organization and utility of the printed data is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different printing configurations to different pages locally rather than using a uniform approach. Each page can have its own specific settings for slides per page, orientation, and content arrangement. This local quality approach maintains accurate printing for each individual page while simultaneously enabling diverse organization patterns across the entire document set.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer-readable medium and data processing system for printing multiple data sources is provided. A plurality of data sources is collected. Each data source of the plurality of data sources are assigned to one of a plurality of sheet representations that each comprise a logical representation of one of a sequence of sheets on which the data sources are to be printed. A number of data sources assigned to a sheet representation is independent of a number of data sources assigned to other sheet representations. The plurality of data sources may then be printed on the sequence of sheets according to assignments of the data sources to the sheet representations.