Automatic Sheet Perforation Positioning for Image Consolidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for setting perforation positions on sheets in multifunctional devices require manual specification of multiple lines, which is inefficient and cumbersome, often necessitating manual measurement and numerical entry, especially when combining image consolidation functions.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that integrates a consolidation unit for configuring sheet processing settings and an automatic determination unit to set perforation positions based on image consolidation functions, allowing users to specify perforation settings on a unified screen, eliminating the need for manual measurement and numerical entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual specification of perforation positions is used, then precision of perforation positioning is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome multiple line specification requiring manual measurement and numerical entry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperforation position precisionVSAvoidsetting operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines perforation positions based on image consolidation settings without requiring manual measurement or numerical entry by the user. The determination unit self-calculates optimal perforation positions based on sheet size and consolidation parameters, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual input from the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of measuring and entering numerical values with an automated computational system. The determination unit uses image consolidation settings and sheet size information to automatically calculate perforation positions, substituting manual measurement and data entry operations with automated image processing and calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple perforation lines are specified manually, then adaptability of perforation settings is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple setting operations required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperforation setting adaptabilityVSAvoidsetting process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The determination unit serves multiple functions: it automatically determines perforation positions for any number of consolidated images, adapts to different sheet sizes, and works with various consolidation configurations. This single automated component handles what previously required multiple separate manual operations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary determination of perforation positions based on image consolidation settings before actual printing or copying occurs. By pre-calculating positions based on sheet size and consolidation parameters, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments and multiple setting operations during the actual execution phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automatic perforation position determination is implemented, then productivity is improved by simplifying configuration, but measurement precision may deteriorate compared to manual specification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration efficiencyVSAvoidperforation position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The determination unit receives feedback from image consolidation settings and sheet size information to automatically adjust and calculate optimal perforation positions. This feedback mechanism ensures that automated determination maintains precision by continuously adapting to the specific configuration parameters rather than using fixed or approximate values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes calculation parameters based on sheet size, number of consolidated images, and consolidation layout. By adjusting computational parameters according to the specific task requirements, the automated system maintains measurement precision across different scenarios while preserving configuration efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250280089A1Information processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.09.04 CANON KK
  • US20250280089A1 patent drawing
  • US20250280089A1 patent drawing
  • US20250280089A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus comprising at least one memory and at least one processor which function as a consolidation unit that configures a setting for consolidating a plurality of sets of image data on a single sheet and a determination unit that automatically determines a position to perforate the sheet based on the setting configured by the consolidation unit.