Print Data Generation Using Unified Template Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print data generation apparatuses lack the ability to provide a variety of printing methods, limiting user flexibility in printing purposes.
Innovation Solution
A print data generation apparatus that includes a processor and memory with a database of records, where texts are set for fields, and link information associates arrangement positions with fields, allowing for the generation of print data by detecting user operations and selecting records for printing using template data corresponding to operated keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If template data is manually created for each printing method, then printing versatility is improved, but device complexity and user workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified template data structure that serves multiple printing methods simultaneously. The template includes field definitions and arrangement position information that can be reused across different printing purposes (name cards, labels, reports, etc.), eliminating the need to create separate template data for each printing method. This multi-functional template system resolves the contradiction by providing printing versatility without increasing template data management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary setup by pre-defining field information (data items, data types, arrangement positions) in a standardized template structure before actual printing operations. This preliminary action creates a reusable framework that automatically adapts to different printing methods, reducing the workload for each new printing task while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate template data is created for each printing purpose, then printing flexibility is improved, but time consumption in template generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unified template data structure with standardized field definitions can be reused across multiple printing purposes. The same template framework supports name cards, labels, reports, and other printing applications, dramatically reducing the time required to set up new printing tasks while maintaining full flexibility for different printing purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables copying and reusing of template data structures across different printing operations. Once a template with field arrangements is created, it can be copied and adapted for various printing purposes, eliminating redundant template creation work and significantly reducing setup time while preserving printing flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual arrangement of texts in template data is performed, then printing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from manual coordinate-based text positioning to a parameter-driven system where field information includes predefined data types and arrangement position parameters. This parameterization allows precise text arrangement to be achieved through simple field definition rather than manual positioning, maintaining printing precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The template system automatically handles text arrangement based on the field information definitions provided by the user. Once fields and their basic properties are defined, the system self-generates the precise arrangement without requiring manual positioning operations, combining precision with ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
A print data generation apparatus generating print data includes a processor, and a memory configured to store a database having a plurality of records in which texts are respectively set for fields, template data which is associated with one of operation keys and in which at least arrangement positions of the texts to be printed are set, link information associating arrangement positions in the template data with the fields of the database, and computer-readable instructions instructing the processor to execute steps including detecting operation of the operation keys, selecting, from among the plurality of records of the database, the record to be used for printing, and generating print data such that the texts that are respectively set for the fields of the selected record are arranged in the arrangement positions associated with the fields by link information, by using the template data corresponding to the operated operation key.