Print Orientation via Device Motion Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of electronic devices with small or limited user interfaces face difficulties in navigating complex print settings to control the orientation of printed documents, as the existing interfaces are cumbersome and require manual input selection.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device correlates its own orientation, determined by motion sensing components, with the page orientation of documents to automatically set and transmit the printing orientation to the printer system, eliminating the need for manual input to define print settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual menu navigation is used to set print orientation, then printing control is precise, but user interface complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting print orientationVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines print orientation based on the device's physical orientation detected by motion sensors, eliminating the need for manual user input. The device serves itself by correlating its own spatial state with the printing parameters, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction (menu navigation, button pressing) with automated sensor-based detection. Motion sensing components detect device orientation and automatically translate this physical state into printing orientation settings, substituting complex manual operations with automated physical sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive print settings are provided, then printing control precision is improved, but interface size and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting orientation control precisionVSAvoidprint settings interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the orientation selection task from the complex print settings menu and replaces it with automatic sensor-based detection. By taking out the manual orientation selection process and replacing it with motion sensor data, the system maintains precise orientation control while eliminating the need for complex interface elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If motion sensing is used to automatically determine print orientation, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint settings automationVSAvoidsensor integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motion sensing components serve multiple functions: they detect device orientation for print settings, track device movement for display orientation, and provide spatial context for user interaction. By making the sensor system multi-functional, the patent justifies the added device complexity through substantial operational benefits across multiple features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach simplifies the process of setting print orientations, ensuring documents are printed in consistent orientations with the device's position, reducing user interaction complexity and enhancing usability on devices with limited interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a motion sensing component of the device, and correlating the page orientation of documents with the orientation of an electronic device, as determined from the output of motion sensing components within the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9959490B2Print orientation of documents based on device sensor output

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 APPLE INC

AI summary

This is directed to defining the orientation in which a document is printed from the orientation of the device on which the document is displayed. In particular, some electronic devices can have limited user interfaces that do not provide for a simple or elegant interface for defining print settings. To overcome limitations in a displayed user interface, the orientation of an electronic device can be used to define the print orientation of a displayed document. In particular, a motion-sensing component of an electronic device can determine whether the electronic device display is in a portrait or landscape orientation, and define the page orientation of the displayed document to match the determined device orientation. The electronic device can then send information representing the displayed document in the defined page orientation to the printer system.