Image Forming Apparatus Automatic Sheet Insertion Position Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses require users to manually count and track the number of sheets in each bundle, making it difficult to accurately set insertion positions and types of insertion sheets, leading to potential misoperations and incorrect output.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features a user-friendly interface that automatically calculates and displays the number of pages read, allowing users to easily select and set insertion sheet types and positions through a touch-panel display, eliminating the need to remember the total number of sheets across bundles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users manually count and track the number of sheets in each bundle, then the insertion position and type of insertion sheets can be set, but this leads to potential misoperations and incorrect output due to the complexity of tracking total sheet numbers across multiple bundles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion position accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs the counting and tracking of sheet numbers across bundles without requiring manual user intervention. The control unit autonomously manages the cumulative sheet count and presents it to the user, eliminating the need for users to manually track sheet numbers while maintaining accurate insertion position setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that bridges the user and the complex sheet counting process. It automatically calculates and displays the cumulative sheet number after each bundle is read, serving as a mediator that simplifies the user's task while ensuring accurate tracking of total sheet numbers across multiple bundles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If users are required to grasp the state of all pages and set insertion sheets while envisioning the overall image of all printed material bundles, then insertion sheets can be correctly positioned, but this invites misoperation due to the cognitive load required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion sheet setting accuracyVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary counting and calculation of cumulative sheet numbers automatically before the user needs to set insertion sheets. The control unit prepares and displays the current total sheet count in advance, eliminating the need for users to mentally track and calculate sheet numbers across bundles, thereby reducing cognitive load and preventing misoperation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback to the user by displaying the cumulative sheet number after each bundle is read. This real-time feedback mechanism allows users to accurately set insertion sheet positions without needing to mentally envision the overall structure, as the system continuously informs them of the current sheet count status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the number of sheets is counted and stored for all pages of the bundle, then the insertion position can be determined, but this increases the time and complexity of the setting process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet number tracking accuracyVSAvoidsetting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs continuous automatic counting of sheet numbers as each bundle is read, without interruption or requiring user intervention at each step. The control unit continuously updates the cumulative sheet count in the background, eliminating the need for users to pause and manually track sheet numbers, thereby reducing setting time while maintaining accurate tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system autonomously performs the sheet counting and cumulative total calculation without requiring user time or effort. The control unit self-manages the tracking process, automatically updating and displaying the current sheet number, which eliminates the time users would otherwise spend on this task while ensuring accurate insertion position determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3098660B1Image forming apparatus, method of controlling the same, and computer readable storage medium for inserting sheets during printing
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 CANON KK
  • EP3098660B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3098660B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3098660B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An original is read to obtain image data of the original, and the number of the read originals is obtained, and an image is formed on a sheet based on the obtained image data of the original. It is possible to present to a user an insertion position of a paper-sheet into sheets, based on the number of the read originals, when designated to insert the paper-sheet into the sheets each on which an image is formed.