Print Layout Generating Device Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing print layout generation process is cumbersome for users, requiring multiple operations such as arranging objects, adjusting their positions and sizes, and associating fields with objects, which increases the complexity and time required for generating a print layout.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory storage medium with computer-readable instructions that enables a print layout generating device to display a layout area, allow users to select fields and positions, and automatically associate selected objects with fields, simplifying the process by reducing the number of user operations needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual methods are used to generate print layouts, then users can control the arrangement and association of objects and fields, but the operation process becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines a plurality of arrangement patterns for objects before the user needs to create a print layout. When a user selects a pattern, the system automatically applies the pre-configured arrangement, eliminating the need for manual positioning of each object. This preliminary preparation of arrangement patterns directly reduces the time and operational complexity required for layout generation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manual operations are performed for arranging objects and associating fields, then the print layout can be customized, but the device complexity and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the print layout generation process into two distinct components: pre-defined arrangement patterns that handle the complex positioning logic, and user selection operations that customize the layout. By separating the complex system logic (encoded in patterns) from the simple user interaction (pattern selection), the system maintains high customization capability while reducing operational complexity.
3Extent of automation
If automatic association of objects and fields is implemented, then the generation process is simplified, but the system requires sophisticated algorithms to identify and match elements
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces arrangement patterns as intermediary structures that mediate between the user's selection and the final object-field associations. Instead of requiring complex real-time algorithms to match objects with fields, the patterns serve as pre-computed intermediaries that encode the association logic. When a user selects a pattern, the intermediary automatically performs the association matching, simplifying the user interface while managing the computational complexity internally.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory storage medium storing computer-readable instructions which cause, when executed by a controller, cause the print layout generating device to display a first image indicative of a layout area in which objects can be arranged, display a second image indicative of a database including at least one field, and at least one record for the at least one field, the at least one record containing character data corresponding to each of at least one field, receive a first operation to select at least one field, receive a second operation to select a position within the layout area, identify a position of the selected object within the layout area, generating print layout data in which the selected object and a selected field are associated with each other. Selected characters corresponding to the selected field of the database are arranged within the selected objects for each record of the database.