Dynamic Preview Orientation for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with preview functions struggle to display preview images in an orientation that allows easy confirmation of document output, particularly when documents of different sizes are copied, as the preview images are often rotated by 90° from the actual document orientation, making it difficult for users to verify the output state.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a size detection unit and a display unit that can switch between two modes: one displaying the preview image based on the size and orientation of the recording paper, and another based on the document size, allowing the preview image to be rotated to match the document orientation for easier confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the preview image is displayed based on the orientation of recording paper in the tray, then the preview function can show the output form, but the preview image is rotated by 90° from the document orientation making it difficult to confirm
Solution Approach 1:
The preview image display orientation is made dynamic by automatically rotating it to match the document orientation. The system detects the document's orientation and adjusts the preview image rotation accordingly, rather than fixing it to the recording paper tray orientation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the preview easily confirmable while preserving accurate orientation information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the preview image is displayed in fixed orientation based on recording paper, then the display system is simple, but it cannot adapt to documents of different sizes and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the display parameter (rotation angle) of the preview image based on the detected document orientation. By dynamically adjusting the rotation parameter according to the document's characteristics, the system adapts to different document sizes and orientations without requiring complex hardware modifications, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
3Reliability
If the preview image shows the recording paper orientation, then the output form can be predicted, but misprinting occurs because the user cannot verify the actual document output state
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides accurate visual feedback by displaying the preview image in the same orientation as the actual document output. The preview image is rotated to match the document orientation, giving the user correct feedback about how the document will be printed, thereby preventing misprinting while preserving the document's original orientation information.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a document reading unit 110 allowing input of image data generated from a read document, a paper feed unit 140 containing recording paper, an image forming unit 120 forming an image on the recording paper based on the image data, and a touch-panel display 132 displaying a preview image representing a state of image formation. The touch-panel display displays a preview image in a designated orientation for a document of a prescribed size, and displays a preview image in accordance with size and orientation of recording paper fed from the paper feed unit, for a document not of the prescribed size. Thus, for documents of a prescribed size, preview images in a prescribed orientation can be displayed regardless of the direction of arrangement of the recording paper, and easier confirmation of expected finish of the formed image becomes possible.