Printer Driver Setting Screen Segmentation for Usability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer drivers fail to effectively differentiate and display usable and non-usable functions of connected printers, leading to user confusion and inefficient print settings.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with an obtaining unit to gather configuration information from image forming apparatuses and a display unit that creates a print setting screen, distinguishing between usable and non-usable functions based on received settings, allowing users to select or deselect features accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all functions of the connected printer are displayed on the print setting screen, then the user can see all available options, but it becomes difficult to distinguish between usable and non-usable functions leading to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display of printer functions into three distinct categories: usable functions (displayed as selectable), functions usable with setting changes (displayed as selectable with notation), and non-usable functions (displayed as non-selectable). This segmentation allows all functions to be visible while clearly distinguishing their usability status, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive display and ease of operation.
2Loss of information
If the printer driver displays detailed function availability information, then users can make informed decisions, but the screen complexity and information processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different display styles for different function categories: usable functions are displayed with normal selectable appearance, functions requiring setting changes are displayed with specific notations, and non-usable functions are displayed with non-selectable appearance. This localized differentiation provides rich information without uniformly increasing screen complexity, as each section has appropriately tailored display characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If the system automatically determines function usability based on printer configuration, then the settings are more accurate, but the time required to process and display settings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically obtaining printer configuration information and determining function usability before displaying the print setting screen. This pre-processing ensures accurate function availability determination is completed in advance, so that when the screen is displayed, the user immediately sees the correct usable and non-usable functions without waiting for real-time analysis, thus reducing perceived processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A first setting item regarding a function determined so that it can be used on the basis of obtained configuration information, that is, a function determined so that it can be used on the basis of received settings is displayed in selectable manner; a second setting item regarding a function determined so that it can be used on the basis of the obtained configuration information, that is, a function determined so that it cannot be used on the basis of the received settings is displayed in selectable manner if the settings are changed; and a third setting item regarding a function determined so that it cannot be used on the basis of the obtained configuration information, that is, a function determined so that it cannot be used on the basis of the received settings is displayed in unselectable manner.