Hierarchical Medium Type Menu for Print Data Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In configurations that generate print data based on a standard specification, it is challenging to provide a hierarchized user interface display, which is essential for user convenience and effective settings management.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that extend the functionality of print data generation software by acquiring the medium type supported by a printing apparatus, identifying the corresponding display text, and controlling the display unit to show a hierarchized menu based on user selections, allowing for category-based display of medium types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a standard specification-based print data generation system is used, then compatibility and ease of implementation are improved, but user interface hierarchy and settings management capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implementationVSAvoiduser interface hierarchy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the medium type settings into hierarchical groups (e.g., paper types, photo types, specialty types) rather than presenting a flat list. This segmentation allows the system to maintain standard specification compatibility while providing organized, category-based user interface display that improves settings management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the user interface by organizing medium types into parent-child relationships with groups and subgroups. This transforms the traditional single-level setting interface into a multi-level hierarchical structure, enabling better organization without compromising standard specification compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If all medium types are displayed in a flat list, then completeness of information is improved, but user selection convenience and settings management deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of informationVSAvoiduser selection convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complete list of medium types into logical groups and subgroups based on their characteristics and usage scenarios. This segmentation maintains all medium type information while organizing it into a hierarchical structure that enables users to navigate and select appropriate types more efficiently through category-based browsing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary organization of medium types into hierarchical groups before presentation to the user. By pre-categorizing medium types based on their properties and intended uses, the system reduces the cognitive load on users and enables faster selection without omitting any medium type options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a hierarchized menu structure is implemented, then settings management and user convenience are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings managementVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the medium type information into hierarchical groups and subgroups, creating a structured organization system. This segmentation approach manages complexity by dividing the setting management task into smaller, more manageable categorical units while maintaining standard specification compatibility through the application layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the application software) between the standard specification-based print data generation system and the user interface. This intermediary handles the hierarchical organization and translation to standard formats, shielding the core system from complexity while providing enhanced user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If medium types are categorized into groups, then user navigation and selection efficiency are improved, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselection efficiencyVSAvoiddata processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments medium types into categorical groups and subgroups to enable efficient user navigation. This segmentation allows users to quickly locate desired medium types by browsing organized categories rather than searching through a complete unstructured list, improving selection efficiency while managing data processing through systematic organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240281183A1Information processing apparatus, control method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2024.08.22 CANON KK

AI summary

A control method of an information processing apparatus implemented by an application that extends a function of print data generation software stored in the information processing apparatus, includes: acquiring a medium type supported by a printing apparatus; identifying, based on the acquired medium type, a group to which the medium type belongs; identifying a display text corresponding to the medium type based on the acquired medium type; causing a display unit of the information processing apparatus to display the group in accordance with selection of an object for setting a medium type of a medium to be used for printing; and controlling to cause the display unit to display the display text based on selection of the group.