Automated Print Option Visualization and Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image rendering devices lack an efficient system for users to select suitable media size and scaling options, often requiring trial and error due to the mutual exclusivity and limitations of Auto Paper Selection (APS) and Auto Reduce/Enlarge (ARE) features, leading to undesirable results and wasted time and paper.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that integrate APS and ARE features by providing a database of print options, featuring image feature extraction, filtering, and sorting, along with a graphical user interface for visual representation and user selection, allowing flexible scaling and media selection without the need for multiple prints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Auto Paper Selection (APS) feature is used to automatically select paper size, then the selection process is simplified, but the feature is limited to default media types and colors and can give unexpected results when exact match is not found
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the media selection process into distinct phases: APS automatically generates candidate options based on image size, then the user reviews and selects from these segmented options. This allows the system to maintain automatic operation while providing flexibility through user choice among segmented candidates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-generating multiple candidate paper size options using APS before user selection. This preliminary automatic selection creates a set of viable options that balance automation with user flexibility, allowing users to choose from pre-evaluated candidates rather than making selections from scratch.
2Measurement precision
If trial and error method is used to manually select desired features, then exact print options can be identified, but user time and paper are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-generating multiple candidate print options with different paper sizes and scaling combinations before user selection. This eliminates the need for trial-and-error printing by presenting all viable options in advance, allowing users to select the exact desired outcome without wasting time or paper on test prints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of the image at different scales and on different paper sizes in the graphical display, allowing users to preview multiple options without producing physical copies. This virtual copying enables precise selection before actual printing occurs.
3Extent of automation
If Auto Reduce/Enlarge (ARE) feature is used for automatic scaling, then scaling is automated, but the feature is constrictive and only scales from image size to a selected output size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scaling operation into multiple candidate options rather than a single automatic result. ARE generates several scaling possibilities (different output sizes and scaling factors) as separate candidates, allowing users to review and select from these segmented options, thereby maintaining automation while increasing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the scaling process dynamic by allowing users to adjust scaling factors and select from multiple scaling options in the graphical interface. This dynamic interaction enables users to modify automatic scaling results in real-time, combining automation with flexible adjustment capabilities.
4Extent of automation
If implicit algorithms are used for selection, then the process is automated, but the outcome may not match user expectations and lacks visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by displaying the candidate options generated by implicit algorithms in a visible graphical format. Users can see what the algorithms have selected, compare options, and provide feedback through their selection. This feedback loop makes the automatic selection process transparent and allows users to understand and adjust the algorithmic outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the implicit selection algorithms and the user. It translates algorithmic outputs into visible, comprehensible options and mediates the user's selection back to the printing system, providing visibility and control over the automatic process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system assist a user in selecting a print option for rendering an image. A database includes print options for rendering images on different sizes of print media. At least some of the print options include different levels of scaling of the image. Features of an image to be rendered are identified. Based on the identified features, at least one of the following is performed: filtering the print options and ranking the print options in the database, to identify a subset of candidate print options from the database of print options. A graphical user interface is generated for displaying representations of at least some of the candidate print options. The graphical user interface is displayed to a user on a display device, whereby a user is able to select a print option for rendering the image.