Image Forming Apparatus Post-Processing Position Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

When using general-purpose software for printing, the image forming apparatus may incorrectly interpret the specified post-processing position due to differences between image reference positions and sheet reference positions, leading to unintended binding or stapling locations during N-in-one printing.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus includes a reception unit for receiving image size and printing settings, a determination unit to identify if the settings are predetermined, a change unit to adjust post-processing positions based on image orientation, and an image forming unit to correctly position images on the recording medium, ensuring accurate post-processing according to user intent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If N-in-one printing is enabled to print multiple images on one sheet, then printing efficiency is improved, but the post-processing position may differ from the user-specified position due to image rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoidpost-processing position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The image forming apparatus performs preliminary determination of whether N-in-one printing is enabled and proactively adjusts the post-processing position before executing the printing and post-processing operations. This preliminary action prevents the position mismatch from occurring in the first place, ensuring that the post-processing is applied at the correct position even when images are rotated during N-in-one printing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the post-processing position parameter based on the printing conditions. When N-in-one printing is detected, the apparatus automatically modifies the post-processing position to account for image rotation, transforming the position parameter from the user-specified coordinate system to the actual printed coordinate system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If general-purpose software is used for printing without vendor-specific printer driver, then software compatibility is improved, but position interpretation between image reference and sheet reference may cause errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware compatibilityVSAvoidpost-processing position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The image forming apparatus acts as an intermediary between the general-purpose printing software and the post-processing function. It receives print data from compatible software, determines the actual printed layout, and automatically adjusts the post-processing position parameters to bridge the gap between image reference positions and sheet reference positions, ensuring accurate post-processing regardless of which software is used

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12159068B2Image forming apparatus, method for controlling the same, and storage medium to change as necessary a received post-processing position based on received information regarding the image size

Publication Date: 2024.12.03 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive information regarding a size of an image, a setting value regarding N-in-one printing, and a post-processing position from an information processing apparatus, a determination unit configured to determine whether the received setting value regarding the N-in-one printing is a predetermined setting value, a change unit configured to, in a case where the determination unit determines that the received setting value regarding the N-in-one printing is the predetermined setting value, change the received post-processing position based on the received information regarding the size of the image, and an image forming unit configured to form the image received from the information processing apparatus on a recording medium.