Copying Apparatus Image Adjustment Mark Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional copying apparatuses with color copy functions face challenges in maintaining image quality while reducing processing time, as the adjustment value acquiring operation often interrupts printing, leading to extended processing times and compromised image quality.

Innovation Solution

A copying apparatus that forms marks for image adjustment concurrently with document reading or setting operations, allowing for simultaneous adjustment value acquisition and printing, thereby reducing downtime and ensuring the use of latest adjustment values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the adjustment value acquiring operation is performed when executing copy processing, then the image quality is improved, but the processing time is extended due to printing suspension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent forms marks for image adjustment in advance during setting operations or document reading phases, before the actual copy processing begins. This preliminary action ensures that adjustment values are ready when printing starts, eliminating the need to suspend printing for adjustment value acquisition and thus resolving the contradiction between image quality and processing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous operation by performing mark formation during idle periods such as setting operations or document reading, rather than interrupting the printing process. This continuous utilization of available time ensures that both image quality adjustment and processing efficiency are maintained simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Loss of time

If the adjustment value acquiring operation is interrupted halfway, then the processing time is shortened, but the image quality is sacrificed due to outdated adjustment values

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent completes the formation of marks for image adjustment during preparatory phases before printing begins, ensuring that full and accurate adjustment values are obtained in advance. This eliminates the need to interrupt or shorten the adjustment process, thereby maintaining image quality while still reducing overall processing time through parallel operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If printing is performed without updating adjustment values, then the processing time is reduced, but the image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs adjustment value acquisition during setting operations or document reading before printing starts, ensuring that up-to-date adjustment values are available without delaying the printing process. This resolves the contradiction by updating values in advance rather than during printing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous operation by acquiring adjustment values during idle periods in the workflow, such as when documents are being read or settings are being configured. This ensures that printing proceeds without interruption while still using current adjustment values for optimal image quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2315427B1Copying apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.12.16 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP2315427B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2315427B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2315427B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A copying apparatus with a color copy function includes: a reading unit configured to read images on a document; an input unit configured to input commands from a user; an image forming unit configured to form a mark for image adjustment, perform an image adjustment on the image read by the reading unit based on the formed mark for image adjustment and print the adjusted image; and a judging unit configured to trigger the image forming unit to form the mark for image adjustment if the command for executing color copying is input into the input unit.