Image Forming Apparatus Attached File Printing Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses and systems cannot print attached files inserted into documents, requiring users to manually copy and print them separately, and lack the ability to detect the presence of attached files before printing.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and system that determines the presence of attached files within a document and converts them into printable data, allowing for simultaneous printing with the original document, featuring an interface unit, object searching unit, control unit, file converting unit, and display unit to manage and display the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional image forming apparatus prints a document with attached files, then the original document can be printed, but the attached files cannot be printed and require separate manual copying and printing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the printing of attached files with the printing of the original document into a single automated operation. The image forming apparatus detects attached files within the document and automatically includes them in the printing process, eliminating the need for separate manual copying and printing steps that were previously required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of attached files before the printing operation begins. The object searching unit scans the document structure to identify attached files in advance, allowing the system to prepare and include them in the printing queue automatically, so users don't need to manually locate and copy them beforehand.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional image forming apparatus processes printing, then printing function is provided, but ability to detect and print attached files is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an object searching unit as an intermediary component between the printing input and the printing engine. This intermediary scans the document structure, detects attached files, and passes them to the printing unit for processing, thereby enabling the apparatus to handle attached files without requiring changes to the core printing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the printing functionality of the image forming apparatus to handle multiple types of content (original documents and attached files) through a single unified process. The apparatus is designed to automatically detect and process various file types embedded within documents, making it universally capable of printing both the container document and its attached contents.
3Reliability
If users manually copy attached files to print them, then attached files can be printed separately, but user convenience is reduced and additional steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the image forming apparatus to perform self-service by automatically detecting, selecting, and printing attached files without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously manages the entire process from detection to printing, eliminating the need for users to manually copy files or navigate through separate printing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An attached file printing method of an image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus and system employing the same are provided. The attached file printing method of an image forming apparatus includes: determining whether there is a printable attached file in a printing target original document or not; converting at least one of the original document and the attached file to a printing data depending on the determining result; and printing the converted printing data.