Print Setting Screen Sheet Size Filtering for Roll-Fed Printers

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing print settings allow users to select inappropriate sheet sizes, leading to image loss and erroneous sheet replacements, particularly when using roll sheets in printers that support multiple sheet sizes.

Innovation Solution

A method to obtain and display only valid sheet sizes that can be used with the currently selected sheet type, excluding larger sizes from the available options on the print setting screen, ensuring accurate sheet selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If all sheet sizes supported by the printer are displayed on the print setting screen, then the user has more selection options, but erroneous sheet selection occurs when the displayed sizes are incompatible with the currently loaded roll sheet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet size selection optionsVSAvoidaccurate sheet selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by obtaining the currently loaded sheet size information from the printer before displaying the print setting screen. Based on this pre-obtained information, the system filters and displays only those sheet sizes that are compatible with the currently loaded sheet, preventing erroneous selections before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by differentiating the display of sheet sizes based on compatibility with the currently loaded sheet. Compatible sheet sizes are displayed with normal appearance, while incompatible sizes are either excluded or displayed with visual differentiation (such as grayed out or marked), allowing users to understand which selections are appropriate for the current configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the print setting screen displays all available sheet sizes, then users can access more print capabilities, but image loss occurs due to clipping when incompatible larger sizes are selected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint capability accessVSAvoidimage printing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by obtaining the currently loaded sheet size information from the printer before displaying the print setting screen. Based on this pre-obtained information, the system filters and displays only those sheet sizes that are compatible with the currently loaded sheet, preventing erroneous selections before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the currently loaded sheet size from the printer and using this information to dynamically control what sheet size options are presented to the user. This feedback loop ensures that only compatible sizes are selectable, preventing image loss while maintaining access to appropriate print capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the printer allows selection of any sheet size from the supported list, then the system maintains flexibility, but manual sheet replacement is required more frequently due to erroneous selections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet size flexibilityVSAvoidsheet replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by obtaining the currently loaded sheet size information from the printer before displaying the print setting screen. Based on this pre-obtained information, the system filters and displays only those sheet sizes that are compatible with the currently loaded sheet, preventing erroneous selections before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by automatically managing the compatibility checking between loaded sheet size and selectable sheet sizes. Instead of relying on users to manually verify compatibility, the system autonomously filters the options based on the currently loaded sheet, preventing erroneous selections and reducing the need for manual sheet replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250348256A1Storage medium storing program for setting print condition, method for setting print condition, and information processing apparatus for setting print condition

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 CANON KK

AI summary

A storage medium storing a program capable of reducing an erroneous selection when selecting a print sheet on a setting screen. The storage medium storing a program causing a computer to execute a method for setting a print condition in a printer including a printing unit and a sheet feeding unit. The method includes obtaining first information about sizes of all usable print sheets from the printer, obtaining second information about a size of a print sheet placed on the sheet feeding unit in a sheet feedable state from the printer, obtaining third information about remaining sizes of print sheets obtained by excluding sizes of print sheets larger than the size of the print sheet in the sheet feedable state from the sizes of all the print sheets, and displaying the third information on a setting screen on which the print condition of the printer is set.