Printing Setting Mode Switching via Paper Size Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users often select inappropriate paper sizes for printing due to being unable to confirm the current paper size set in the printer, leading to wasted consumables and unnecessary effort in checking and changing the paper.

Innovation Solution

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium with program instructions that execute on an information processing apparatus, allowing it to access and manage multiple setting modes for printing, acquire the current paper size from the printer, and switch between modes to match the selected paper size, thereby ensuring appropriate paper usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the user manually checks the paper size in the printer, then the user can confirm the current paper size, but the user must expend time and effort to go to the printer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper size informationVSAvoidtime to check paper

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus automatically obtains paper size information from the printer through communication interface and feeds back this information to the user interface for display. This eliminates the need for users to physically check the printer, resolving the contradiction between obtaining information and spending time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the user and the printer. It retrieves paper size information from the printer via communication interface and presents it to the user through the user interface, saving the user the trip to the printer while still providing the necessary information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the user selects paper size without confirming current setting, then the selection process is faster, but inappropriate paper size may be selected leading to waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper size selection speedVSAvoidconsumable waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically retrieves and displays the current paper size setting from the printer to the user. This feedback mechanism allows users to make informed selections without manual checking, maintaining high selection speed while preventing inappropriate paper size selection and waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus automatically obtains and manages paper size information from the printer without requiring user intervention to physically check. The system serves itself by autonomously retrieving the current setting and presenting it for selection, enabling fast and accurate paper size selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple setting modes are maintained separately, then specific print settings can be optimized, but the setting process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint setting adaptabilityVSAvoidsetting process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus provides a unified user interface that handles multiple setting modes (general printing and specific print types). The system automatically determines the appropriate setting mode based on the current paper size and other parameters, allowing one interface to serve multiple functions without requiring separate complex interfaces for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different setting modes based on the current paper size and printing requirements. The user interface adapts its behavior and available options according to the detected setting mode, providing appropriate settings for general printing or specific print types without requiring manual mode selection or complex user navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11144256B2Information processing apparatus switching setting mode of setting process for printing

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

In an information processing apparatus, a memory stores a plurality of sets of setting data for printing. Each setting data is in association with one of setting modes for a setting process. The setting process sets a set of setting data for printing. The setting process in a first setting mode sets setting data for a specific print whereas the setting process in a second setting mode sets setting data used generally for printing. The control device executes the setting process in a current setting mode, and acquires from the printer a sheet size. The control device extracts setting data having sheet size data indicating a sheet size matching the acquired sheet size. When the current setting mode is different from a setting mode in association with the extracted setting data, the control device switches the current setting mode to the setting mode in association with the extracted setting data.