Printer UI Program Grouping Setting Items by Driver Core Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printer driver usability is degraded when the UI module is not updated in conjunction with the driver core module, leading to inappropriate display of new setting parameters, causing separation of functionally related settings and reducing user interface effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A UI program that receives setting items from the driver core module, acquires group information for each item, and displays new setting items adjacent to relevant existing items, ensuring proper positioning and improved usability by using a display program and a default program to handle items not supported by the initial display program.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the driver core module is updated independently to introduce new setting parameters, then the functionality and adaptability of the printing system is improved, but the user interface display becomes inappropriate and usability is degraded because the UI module has not been updated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the driver into independent modules (driver core module and UI module) that can be updated separately, while implementing a version management mechanism that detects version mismatches and triggers coordinated updates, thus maintaining both independent updatability and interface consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary version compatibility checking before displaying setting parameters. The UI module checks whether it supports the version of the driver core module, and only displays setting parameters for which it has corresponding display programs, preventing inappropriate display of new parameters
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UI module is not updated while the driver core module is updated, then the driver core module can introduce new functions, but the setting items become separated and cannot be displayed in appropriate positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the UI module receives version information from the driver core module, checks compatibility, and provides feedback on which setting items can be appropriately displayed. This feedback loop ensures that setting items are only displayed when the UI module has the necessary display programs
Solution Approach 2:
The UI module performs preliminary checks to determine whether it has display programs for specific setting items before displaying them. This preliminary action prevents the loss of positioning information by only displaying setting items for which appropriate display locations are known
3Device complexity
If setting items are displayed without version compatibility checking, then the interface is simple, but new setting parameters are displayed in inappropriate positions reducing user interface effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of version compatibility from a hidden attribute to an actively checked and utilized parameter. By incorporating version checking into the display logic, the system maintains interface simplicity while improving effectiveness through intelligent parameter-based display decisions
Data Source
AI summary
A UI program is recorded on a non-transitory computer readable medium for operating a computer as a print control apparatus in cooperation with a driver core module. The UI program causes the computer to execute: a first display control step of running a display program and displaying first setting items ECα (EC1 to EC5 and EC41), and a second display control step of running a default program and displaying a second setting item ECβ (EC42) which cannot be displayed by the display program. In the second display control step, the second setting item ECβ (EC42) is displayed in a position adjacent to one of the first setting items ECα (EC41) having the same group information as the second setting item ECβ (EC42).