Image Forming Apparatus Template Registration via Operation Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience when trying to register frequently printed documents as template documents in image forming apparatuses, as they need to operate a personal computer to perform document registration operations, which is not directly accessible from the image forming apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is equipped with an operation device and processors that allow users to register print jobs and display execution buttons within the apparatus, enabling direct registration and management of template documents without requiring PC operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users operate a personal computer to register template documents in the image forming apparatus, then document registration capability is provided, but user convenience deteriorates due to needing to switch between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus enables users to register template documents directly at the apparatus itself rather than requiring external PC operation. The operation unit of the image forming apparatus allows users to select held jobs and register them as template documents through local interaction, making the system serve itself and eliminating dependency on external devices for this function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the document registration function with the image forming apparatus itself, merging previously separate functions (PC-based registration and printer-based execution) into a single integrated system. Users can now complete both document selection and template registration at the apparatus, consolidating multiple operations into one location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users return to the personal computer to perform document registration after transmitting print jobs, then document can be registered, but time is lost due to device switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by displaying held jobs on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus before the user needs to register them as templates. Users can directly select and register documents from the displayed held jobs without returning to the PC, completing the registration action at the most convenient location and eliminating time loss from device switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If template documents are stored in the storage device after printing, then document availability is maintained, but storage space is continuously occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements discarding and recovering by automatically deleting held jobs from the storage device after they have been successfully printed. This allows the storage space to be recovered and reused, while template documents that need to be retained remain available for future printing operations. The distinction between held jobs (temporary) and template documents (permanent) enables selective management of storage resources.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an operation device, one or more memories, and one or more processors that execute a set of instructions to receive a print job from an information processing apparatus, store the received print job in the one or more memories, control the operation device to display a list of print jobs stored in the one or more memories, register a print job included in the list in the image forming apparatus, based on a user instruction received by the operation device, and display an execution button for executing the registered print job in a function selection screen.