Dynamic User Interface for Multi-Technology Printing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current printing-related user interfaces are static and designed for a specific type of printing technology, making them unsuitable for providing information and functionality for various forms of printing technologies in industrial environments.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic and adaptable user interface system that alters its layout and functionality based on the detected print-head type, utilizing modular programming to retrieve and display relevant data sources and operational options, allowing for seamless integration with multiple printing technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a static user interface is designed for a specific printing technology, then the interface can provide dedicated functionality for that technology, but it cannot adapt to other printing technologies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various printing technologiesVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is designed to serve multiple printing technologies (ink-jet, thermal, laser) through a single unified system. The interface automatically detects the connected print-head type and configures itself to provide appropriate functionality for that specific technology, making one interface universal across different printing platforms

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

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface transitions from a static design to a dynamic one that can change its layout, displayed information, and available functions based on the detected print-head type. This dynamic adaptation allows the interface to optimize its presentation for each specific printing technology while maintaining a single codebase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If separate user interfaces are created for each printing technology, then each interface can be optimized for its specific technology, but the overall system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetechnology-specific functionalityVSAvoidnumber of interfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of maintaining separate interfaces for ink-jet, thermal, and laser printers, a single universal interface handles all technologies. The interface contains logic to detect the print-head type and automatically configure itself to provide the appropriate optimized functionality for each technology type

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

Solution Approach 2:

The interface is segmented into modular components that can be independently configured based on the detected print-head type. This allows the interface to selectively activate and display only the relevant sections and functions needed for the current printing technology, reducing clutter while maintaining comprehensive functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2726973B1Dynamic user interface
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 MARKEM IMAJE HLDG
  • EP2726973B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2726973B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2726973B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards a dynamic user interface capable of adaption for dynamically providing printing information for various types of printing technologies.