Modeless Print Setting Screen for Continuous Application Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional print control systems require users to close the print setting screen to apply settings, restricting access to other application functions and necessitating repetitive tasks like closing and reopening the screen for setting changes.
Innovation Solution
A print control device and method that displays a print setting screen in a modeless dialogue, allowing users to set print settings without restricting access to other application functions, enabling simultaneous printing and setting adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the print setting screen is displayed in a modal dialogue, then the user can focus on setting print settings without distraction, but the user cannot operate other parts of the application screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the print setting screen to transition between modal and modeless states. The screen dynamically changes its interaction mode based on user needs, allowing it to switch from restricting other operations (modal) to permitting simultaneous application operations (modeless), thus resolving the contradiction between focused setting and application accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of dialogue mode from fixed (either modal or modeless) to variable. By introducing a modeless dialogue option where the print setting screen remains visible but does not block other operations, the system adjusts the interaction parameter to simultaneously achieve focused setting capability and application accessibility
2Reliability
If the print setting screen is closed to apply settings, then the print settings are applied to the application, but the user must reopen the screen for any setting changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by allowing the print setting screen to remain continuously visible and accessible in modeless dialogue. Users can modify settings at any time without closing and reopening the screen, as changes are applied in real-time or upon explicit confirmation, eliminating the repetitive close-reopen cycle and reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing users to pre-configure print settings in the modeless dialogue before actually initiating the print job. The settings are prepared and stored in advance, and can be adjusted anytime before printing, so the actual print execution doesn't require screen interaction, saving time
3Adaptability or versatility
If the print setting screen is displayed repeatedly for setting changes, then the user can adjust print settings, but the operation becomes repetitive and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the print setting screen dynamically persistent in modeless dialogue, allowing it to remain open and accessible throughout the application session. This dynamic state eliminates the need to repeatedly open and close the screen for setting adjustments, making the operation more convenient while maintaining full adaptability for setting changes
Data Source
AI summary
The information processing device 100 includes a control unit 105 that executes an application for processing a print object and a printer driver for controlling a printer 120, a display unit 102 that displays a screen, and an input unit 101 that receives an input of an instruction. When the control unit 105 receives an instruction to display a print setting screen for setting print settings of the printer 120 in the application through the input unit 101, the control unit 105 executes the printer driver and causes the display unit 102 to display a print setting screen in a modeless dialogue in which use of functions in the application is not restricted to setting print settings.