Print Thumbnail Interface for Page-Specific Exception Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for setting print settings in digital printing systems do not efficiently allow users to identify and manage exceptional settings across multiple pages, leading to difficulties in recognizing and applying specific settings without manual page number input and understanding of content.

Innovation Solution

An electronic terminal device with a display controller that concurrently displays a thumbnail screen showing page images and a setting item screen for exceptional settings, allowing users to visually distinguish and manage exceptional settings through intuitive user interface elements like open circles, check marks, and command buttons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually input page numbers and understand content to set exceptional settings, then print settings can be applied to specific pages, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting exceptional settingsVSAvoidtime for setting exceptional settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the print data into individual page thumbnails that can be independently selected. Each page is segmented as a separate selectable unit in the thumbnail display, allowing users to easily identify and select specific pages for exceptional settings without manually inputting page numbers or understanding the entire document structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If users need to understand page content to apply exceptional settings, then accurate settings can be applied, but the operation becomes difficult for users who cannot understand the content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of setting applicationVSAvoidease of identifying target pages

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates visual copies (thumbnails) of each page that display the actual content. These thumbnail copies allow users to visually identify pages needing exceptional settings by looking at the content representation, eliminating the need for users to understand or read the actual page content while maintaining precise identification of target pages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual indicators such as coloring or highlighting to mark selected pages in the thumbnail display. When a user selects a page for exceptional settings, the thumbnail changes appearance (e.g., color change), providing clear visual feedback that ensures accurate setting application without requiring users to understand the page content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Device complexity

If the setting screen displays only setting items without visual reference to pages, then the interface remains simple, but users cannot easily identify which pages need exceptional settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of setting screenVSAvoidease of page identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the visual information into two parts: thumbnails showing page content and setting items for configuration. This segmentation allows the setting screen to maintain relative simplicity while providing visual reference to pages, as the thumbnails are displayed as a separate selectable element rather than integrating complex page content display with setting controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thumbnails as an intermediary element between the user and the actual page content. The thumbnails serve as a simplified visual representation that mediates between the need for page identification and the desire for a simple setting interface, allowing users to identify target pages without displaying full-page content or complex navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the system requires understanding of print data content to apply exceptional settings, then accurate settings can be applied, but the system becomes less accessible to users who cannot understand the content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of setting applicationVSAvoidaccessibility to different user types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20250362837A1Electronic terminal device capable of displaying thumbnail screen showing thumbnail image of each page in print data and setting item screen showing setting items for exceptional setting, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium with print setting program stored thereon

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

The controller creates setting for a job of printing to which general setting and exceptional setting are applied. The display controller allows the display device to concurrently display a thumbnail screen showing a list of thumbnail images of pages in print data and a setting item screen showing a setting item for the exceptional setting and display the thumbnail image as a choice indicated by a selection instruction accepted by the input accepting device, in a display manner different from a manner to display the thumbnail image other than the choice. The controller applies, to the page represented by the thumbnail image as the choice, a content of the setting item for the exceptional setting having been accepted by the input accepting device. The display controller allows the display device to display the content of the setting item for the exceptional setting on the setting item screen.