Automated A4 to A5 Sheet Cutting via Pre-arranged Layout Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers with cutting functions require significant processing to arrange images for cutting A4-size sheets into A5-size printed matter, placing a heavy load on the printer and necessitating manual work when only A5-size sheets are needed.
Innovation Solution
A computer-readable storage medium with instructions that generate layout image data for A4-size sheets, allowing the printer to automatically cut the sheet in half, reducing the printer's workload and eliminating the need for manual image arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the printer performs image layout arrangement processes to print A5-size images on A4-size sheets, then the cutting function can automatically produce A5-size printed matter, but the printer's processing load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image layout arrangement process from the printer and relocates it to the information processing device (computer). The printer only receives pre-arranged layout image data and performs simple printing and cutting operations, thereby reducing its processing load while maintaining the automatic cutting function.
2Power
If the user manually cuts printed A4-size sheets to obtain A5-size printed matter, then no additional processing is required by the printer, but the user must perform time-consuming manual work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the information processing device arrange the images into layout data before printing. This pre-processing step eliminates the need for both manual cutting by the user and complex layout processing by the printer, achieving automatic A5-size output with reduced workload on all components.
3Power
If the information processing device generates layout image data with two images arranged adjacent to each other, then the printer's workload is reduced, but additional data processing is required before printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces layout image data as an intermediary format between the original image data and the final printed output. The information processing device acts as a mediator that transforms standard image data into pre-arranged layout data, simplifying the printer's task to merely printing and cutting without complex layout arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A set of computer-readable instructions, when executed by a computer in an information processing device, causes the information processing device to perform: a setting process; and in response to receiving a print instruction in which a cut print setting is set: a generation process; and a transmission process. The setting process sets the cut print setting for printing an image on a sheet and dividing the printed sheet at a center position thereof in a prescribed direction. The generation process acquires first and second page data representing respective ones of first and second target images to generate layout image data representing a layout image in which first and second images corresponding to respective ones of the first and second target images are arranged adjacent to each other in the prescribed direction. The transmission process transmits print data based on the layout image data and a cut command to a printer.