Booklet Making Cutting Size Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing booklet making systems face inefficiencies in cutting size setting and user friendliness, as the cutting size is set independently of the distance between images on each printing medium, requiring users to individually set both parameters with poor usability.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that set the cutting size based on the difference between the minimum and maximum layout positions of images, adjusting the layout interval between images on the printing medium during the binding process, and cutting the printing medium bundle accordingly to ensure uniform image placement and clarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cutting size is set independently of the image layout distance, then the cutting process is simple, but the user friendliness deteriorates due to requiring individual setting of multiple parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser friendlinessVSAvoidparameter setting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cutting size setting with the image layout distance by establishing a fixed relationship between them. The cutting size is automatically determined based on the minimum and maximum layout positions of images, eliminating the need for independent setting of both parameters and thereby improving user friendliness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic calculation and setting of the cutting size based on the image layout parameters. Instead of requiring manual input for both cutting size and layout distance, the system self-determines the cutting size from the layout information, reducing the burden on the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the layout interval between images is adjusted for each printing medium, then image clarity is improved, but the setting process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage placement precisionVSAvoidlayout adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the layout interval parameter between images based on their position in the printing medium bundle. By automatically calculating and applying different layout intervals for different printing media, the system ensures that images remain clear and properly positioned without requiring complex manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The layout interval adjustment is performed in advance during the printing preparation phase. The system pre-calculates the appropriate layout intervals for all printing media based on their positions, so that when printing occurs, the correct spacing is already determined, avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If multiple parameters are set individually, then flexibility is maintained, but the efficiency of the setting process deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting process efficiencyVSAvoidtime for parameter setting
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the cutting size by itself based on the image layout parameters, eliminating the need for users to manually set both parameters. This self-determination process significantly reduces the time required for setting and improves overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By combining the cutting size setting with the image layout configuration into a single integrated process, the patent eliminates redundant setting steps. The cutting size is derived from the layout parameters, so users only need to configure the layout, and the cutting size is automatically determined, halving the number of required settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7744325B2Booklet making method, booklet making system, and program
Publication Date: 2010.06.29 KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECH INC
  • US7744325B2 patent drawing
  • US7744325B2 patent drawing
  • US7744325B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This invention provides a booklet making method including a cutting size setting step of setting a cutting size on the basis of a difference amount between a layout position of an image when a layout interval between images printed on a printing medium is minimum and a layout position of an image when the layout interval between images is maximum; an image printing step of adjusting the layout interval between the images printed on the printing medium in accordance with a position of the printing medium upon binding, and printing an image on the printing medium; a binding step of binding a plurality of printing media bearing images to prepare a printing medium bundle; a folding step of folding the printing medium in half; anda cutting step of cutting an edge of the printing medium bundle on the basis of the cutting size.