Unified Print Setting Interface for Page-Specific Exception Attributes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing print setting methods for printers lack flexibility in allowing users to set different print attributes for specific pages or page ranges within a document, requiring complex operations and separate exception settings, which are not easily recognizable or manageable.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that enable users to perform exception page settings for each print setting item on a unified print setting screen, allowing basic and exception settings to be defined and applied, with a display unit for setting values and a setting unit for storing and applying these settings, facilitating flexible and intuitive page-specific print attribute adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate exception setting sheets are used for print attributes, then detailed exception settings can be performed, but the operation becomes complicated and exception settings are not easily recognizable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexception setting flexibilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the exception setting function into the main print setting sheet by adding exception setting columns next to basic setting columns. This allows users to perform both basic and exception settings on a single unified sheet, eliminating the need to switch between separate sheets and making exception settings easily recognizable through visual proximity to basic settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the print setting sheet into multiple columns, where each column represents a different setting item (basic settings and exception settings). This segmentation allows users to set different print attributes for specific pages without leaving the main setting interface, while keeping the organization clear and manageable through column-based separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If all setting values are registered as values for the entire setting items when changed for a specific page, then exception settings can be applied, but the operation becomes complicated when changing common values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepage-specific setting capabilityVSAvoidsetting management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different setting values for different pages or page ranges within the same print job. The exception setting columns enable users to specify local variations (e.g., color paper for first page, white paper for other pages) without affecting the global settings, thus achieving page-specific customization without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure in the form of exception setting columns that act as mediators between basic settings and page-specific requirements. These columns allow users to override basic settings for specific pages without directly manipulating the entire setting structure, simplifying the management of mixed basic and exception settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If exception settings are performed using a separate exception setting sheet, then detailed settings can be made, but the operator cannot easily recognize what exception setting is to be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting detail levelVSAvoidexception setting visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines exception setting information with basic setting information on the same sheet, placing exception setting columns adjacent to basic setting columns. This merging ensures that exception settings are visually prominent and easily recognizable to operators, as they are displayed in the same interface context as the basic settings, eliminating the need to switch between separate sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8860959B2Configuring settings for exception pages in a print job

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 CANON KK

AI summary

An apparatus stores a setting value for each print setting item as a basic print setting for a print job according to an instruction of operation from an operator entered via a print setting screen, and sets a setting value for one specific print setting item as exception setting, according to an instruction of operation from the operator entered via an exception page setting screen for designating a setting value for the exception setting different from the setting value for the basic print setting of the print job, with respect to the print setting item, which is entered according to the operation instruction to the one specific print setting item of plural print setting items displayed on the print setting screen. The apparatus defines switching of the print setting for the print job, according to the basic print setting and the exception setting.