Booklet Printing Method N-Up Layout Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing methods are limited to producing 2-up booklets, which restrict the ability to create portable booklets efficiently using N-up and duplex operations.
Innovation Solution
A printing method that calculates and arranges page layouts according to specific equations to accommodate various page groupings on printing sheets, allowing for the creation of booklets with multiple pages on both sides of the sheet, including options for title pages and punching spaces, thereby enabling the production of more pages in a single booklet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional printing methods are used, then the booklet can be made with 2-up operation, but the number of pages per sheet is limited and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the page arrangement into systematic groups using mathematical equations. Pages are divided into sets of 4 (N=4) and arranged in structured patterns on each sheet, allowing complex multi-page booklets to be organized systematically rather than as individual pages, thereby increasing pages per sheet while maintaining manageability through segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of page grouping from traditional 2-up to N-up where N can be 4 or higher. By modifying the grouping variable N and using equations to calculate page positions, the system achieves higher page density per sheet (e.g., 8 pages per sheet) while the equations provide a systematic method to manage the increased complexity
2Quantity of substance
If more pages are arranged on each sheet, then the number of printing sheets is reduced, but the page layout arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating all page positions and arrangements using mathematical equations before the actual printing process. The equations determine the exact position of each page on the sheet in advance, allowing complex multi-page layouts to be systematically prepared and executed without real-time complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal page arrangement system that can handle various booklet sizes and page counts through a single set of equations. The same equation framework works for different values of N (grouping variable) and different booklet requirements, providing a multi-functional solution that reduces sheets while managing complexity through universality
3Adaptability or versatility
If N-up operation is used to increase pages per sheet, then portability is enhanced, but the conventional methods are limited to 2-up only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the page grouping variable N adjustable rather than fixed at 2. The system can dynamically adapt N to different values (e.g., N=4, N=8) based on booklet requirements, allowing flexible configuration of pages per sheet while maintaining a systematic arrangement method through equations that work for any N value
Data Source
AI summary
A printing method of making a booklet includes requesting a printing task, calculating a number of pages corresponding to a printing range, arranging the pages according to a predetermined page layout, reducing images of the pages according to the predetermined page layout, and composing the reduced images of the pages into a single image in response to the predetermined page layout to transmit the single image. An N-up operation and a duplex operation may be used to allow the portable booklet to be readily made, and a title page and a punching space may be taken into consideration.