Print Control Apparatus for Continuous Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print control methods for continuous sheets require users to switch between multiple screens to set various print settings, leading to increased likelihood of errors and user burden due to the need to check and correct settings across multiple screens, especially for continuous sheets with more extensive setting options.
Innovation Solution
A print control apparatus and method that displays a main screen with a print pattern diagram incorporating both sheet and setting diagrams, allowing users to visualize and update all setting contents in real-time, reducing the need for screen switching and enhancing error prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple print setting screens are used to display different setting items, then comprehensive print settings can be provided, but users must switch between screens which increases operation complexity and error likelihood
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple print setting screens into a single integrated print setting screen. This screen displays a print pattern diagram that visually represents multiple setting items simultaneously, including sheet diagram parts showing page layouts and setting diagram parts showing cutting positions, binding positions, and other settings. Users can view and adjust all settings in one place without switching between multiple screens, thereby maintaining comprehensive settings capability while significantly improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple print setting screens are used to display different setting items, then comprehensive print settings can be provided, but the likelihood of print setting errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the print pattern diagram visually reflects the current settings in real-time. When users modify settings such as cutting positions, binding positions, or page layouts, the corresponding changes are immediately displayed on the print pattern diagram. This visual feedback allows users to verify their settings before printing, reducing the likelihood of errors caused by misconfigurations across multiple screens.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging all setting items into a single integrated display, the patent eliminates the need for users to switch between multiple screens and manually verify settings on each screen. The unified print pattern diagram provides a comprehensive visual representation of all settings in one location, making it easier for users to verify the correctness of their configurations and reducing the probability of setting errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple print setting screens are used, then detailed setting options for continuous sheet can be provided, but the user load and complexity of print settings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional multi-screen sequential display to a two-dimensional spatial layout within a single screen. The print pattern diagram uses spatial arrangement to display multiple setting items simultaneously, with sheet diagram parts showing page layouts and setting diagram parts showing cutting and binding positions. This dimensional change allows detailed setting options to be presented in a compact, organized manner that reduces perceived complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A print control apparatus includes: a print controller that controls operation of an image forming apparatus which prints images on a continuous sheet; a display controller that causes a display apparatus to display a main screen which is a print setting screen including setting items corresponding to contents of the operation of the image forming apparatus; and an input controller that receives instructions related to setting contents of the setting items. The main screen includes a first print pattern diagram. The first print pattern diagram includes: a sheet diagram part that represents a figure corresponding to pages in the continuous sheet; and setting diagram parts that represent figures corresponding to the setting contents of the setting items. The display controller updates contents of the first print pattern diagram in response to the setting contents of the setting items that the input controller receives.