Printer Driver Setting Screen Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data processing apparatuses face issues in accurately receiving and applying print setting information from applications to printer drivers, leading to confusion for users due to compatibility differences between manufacturers and version variations, resulting in incorrect print outputs.
Innovation Solution
A data processing apparatus with a display control unit that differentiates between printer drivers capable and incapable of receiving print setting information, displaying relevant setting items on the user interface to prevent user confusion and ensure accurate settings are applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a setting item for print setting information that the printer driver cannot appropriately receive is displayed on the setting screen, then the user interface appears complete and comprehensive, but the user may get confused and the setting information cannot be properly transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the display characteristics of setting items dependent on the specific printer driver selected. Different regions or portions of the setting screen are displayed differently based on the printer driver's capabilities - setting items compatible with the selected driver are displayed normally, while incompatible items are hidden or marked. This resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive settings where needed while avoiding user confusion where compatibility exists.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting screen is made dynamic by automatically adjusting its content based on the selected printer driver. The display control unit dynamically adds or removes setting items from the screen according to the printer driver's ability to receive specific print setting information. This dynamic adaptation ensures the screen remains comprehensive for compatible drivers while preventing confusion for incompatible ones.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all types of print setting information are displayed on the setting screen regardless of printer driver compatibility, then the application appears versatile, but the displayed settings may differ from what is actually set by the printer driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the display control unit continuously monitor and respond to the printer driver's capabilities. The system receives information about which print setting information types the selected driver can handle, and uses this feedback to adjust the setting screen content accordingly. This ensures that only settings the driver can actually process are displayed, maintaining accuracy while preserving application versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by determining printer driver compatibility before displaying setting items. The display control unit assesses which print setting information types the selected driver can receive in advance, and pre-configures the setting screen to show only compatible options. This preliminary filtering prevents information accuracy issues before the user even interacts with the settings.
3Ease of operation
If the setting screen is customized based on printer driver capabilities, then user confusion is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to need for driver compatibility checking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the printer driver to provide information about its own capabilities to the display control unit. The driver essentially serves itself by declaring which print setting information types it can handle, and the system automatically configures the setting screen based on this self-provided information. This reduces system complexity compared to manual compatibility checking while maintaining user clarity.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing apparatus including an application for setting print setting information and printer drivers for generating a print job includes a selection unit configured to select a printer driver and a display control unit configured, if a printer driver that cannot generate a print job for outputting a print product reflecting the print setting information set by the application is selected, to display a setting screen that does not include setting items for which whether the set print setting information is reflected in the print product depends on a printer driver type, while if a printer driver that can generate a print job for outputting a print product reflecting the print setting information set by the application is selected, to display a setting screen that includes setting items for which whether the set print setting information is reflected in the print product depends on the printer driver type.