Document Orientation Preview for Multifunction Printer Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of multifunction peripherals in convenience stores face difficulties in correctly orienting documents for double-sided printing due to confusion between document content orientation, text direction, and sheet orientation, leading to errors and unnecessary re-scanning.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a reader, operating device, display device, and controller that displays document orientation instructions and print preview images, allowing users to correct document orientation settings and confirm correctness before printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional techniques provide guidance on document orientation for double-sided copying, then users receive orientation instructions, but users cannot correctly comprehend whether the display refers to content orientation, text direction, document placement orientation, or sheet orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a preview image that copies and displays the actual scanned document image in its current orientation, allowing users to visually confirm the document placement orientation. This visual copy eliminates ambiguity between different orientation concepts by showing the exact image that will be printed, making it clear how the document is oriented on the scanner bed.
Solution Approach 2:
The preview image acts as an intermediary between the orientation settings and the final printed output. It mediates user understanding by providing a visual representation that connects the abstract orientation instructions to the concrete document placement, serving as a bridge between the control interface and the physical scanning process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users place documents in a predetermined direction regardless of document type, then the MFP operates with standardized settings, but the placement becomes complicated and confuses users
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the predetermined scanning direction based on the detected document type. The image reader automatically determines whether the document is a book, magazine, or other type, and adjusts the scanning orientation accordingly. This dynamic adaptation maintains standardization while accommodating different document types, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust placement for different document formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The image reader performs self-service by automatically detecting document type and determining the appropriate scanning direction without user intervention. The system autonomously handles the complexity of document type recognition and orientation determination, freeing users from needing to understand or configure these settings manually.
3Productivity
If users cannot confirm print result orientation before printing, then the printing process is simple, but users must re-scan documents if orientation errors are detected after printing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by displaying the preview image before the printing process begins. Users can review the document orientation and make corrections to the scanning direction or document placement before committing to the print job. This preliminary verification prevents orientation errors from reaching the printing stage, eliminating the need for re-scanning and re-printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The preview image provides immediate feedback to users about the document orientation and scanning direction. Users can see the actual scanned image and its orientation on the display device, allowing them to verify correctness before printing. This feedback loop enables users to detect and correct orientation issues in real-time, preventing waste of time and resources on incorrect prints.
Data Source
AI summary
A display processor of a controller extracts data such as images and characters from display data stored in a storage based on setting information stored in the storage, and displays a document orientation instructing pane and a 90-degree rotation operation icon in a document image operating pane on a display device. The display processor also displays a print preview image based on the document image data. When a rotation operation is performed through the 90-degree rotation operation icon, the document image data is also subjected to the same rotation process.