Controller Automates Complex Document Integration and Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing apparatuses require users to manually combine and print multiple documents, which is time-consuming and inconvenient when producing complex documents from stored files.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a storage device, user input device, print engine, and controller that allows users to select and print multiple documents in a predetermined order with specified copy numbers, automatically integrating and printing them as a single document, and loading the printed copies onto stackers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually select and print multiple documents separately, then each document can be printed with specified copy numbers, but the user must manually combine them which is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate document printing operations into a single integrated printing process. The controller combines multiple documents stored in the HDD into one integrated document and prints it in the specified number of copies automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually combine printed documents.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing apparatus performs the document combination and copying operations automatically without requiring user intervention. The controller automatically integrates the selected documents and generates the specified number of copies, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user operations.
2Productivity
If users print multiple copies of each document separately, then the required number of copies can be produced, but the user must manually create the complex document structure
Solution Approach 1:
The user performs preliminary selection of multiple documents and specifies the desired number of copies through the operational panel before the printing process begins. The controller then automatically executes the integration and copying operations based on these pre-set parameters, streamlining the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing apparatus automatically performs the document integration and copy generation operations without requiring continuous user intervention. The system autonomously processes the selected documents according to the specified parameters, significantly reducing operational complexity.
3Extent of automation
If the printing apparatus integrates and prints multiple documents automatically, then user effort and time are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages document selection, integration, copy generation, and printing operations within a single device. The operational panel provides universal control for both individual document printing and complex multi-document integration, reducing the need for separate specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus and method includes a storage device to store a plurality of documents, a user input device to select at least two documents from the plurality of documents stored in the storage device in a predetermined order and selects the number copies to be printed for the at least two selected documents to request complex printing, a print engine to print the at least two selected documents by the selected number of copies, and a controller to control the print engine in such a way that when complex printing is requested, the at least two documents are printed out one by one according to the predetermined order and by the selected number of copies, thereby discharging printed complex documents in the selected number of copies. As a result, it becomes possible to combine the plurality of document files into one complex document and to print a plurality of copies of that complex document.