Image Forming Apparatus Copy Break Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the inability to correctly change the number of copies for reservation printing when the number of pages for one copy is not added as an attribute value in the print data leads to user dissatisfaction, as the system cannot accurately adjust the print settings based on the intended number of copies.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus is equipped with a determination unit that identifies breaks in copies within the print data and an updating unit that updates the attribute values accordingly, allowing for accurate adjustment of the number of copies even when the attribute value for the number of pages per copy is missing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If print data is processed on the host PC side with the number of copies specified, then the printing process is simplified and the image forming apparatus does not need to perform additional processing, but the image forming apparatus cannot determine the number of pages for one copy and hence cannot correctly change the number of copies
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit performs preliminary analysis of the print data content to detect breaks of copies before the user requests to change the number of copies. By pre-processing the print data to identify copy boundaries, the system enables subsequent flexible modification of the number of copies without reprocessing the entire print data, thus resolving the contradiction between printing simplicity and adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If the number of pages for one copy is added as an attribute value in print data, then the number of copies can be correctly changed on the image forming apparatus side, but this requires additional processing on the host PC side which not all applications can provide
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus acts as an intermediary by providing its own determination unit that analyzes the print data content to detect breaks of copies. This intermediary function eliminates the need for host PC applications to perform complex processing to add the number of pages for one copy attribute, while still achieving accurate copy number determination. The image forming apparatus bridges the gap between simple print data processing and accurate copy identification.
3Reliability
If the image forming apparatus stores print data for reservation printing with user authentication, then security and cost reduction are improved, but a time delay occurs between user instruction and actual printing, preventing timely modification of print settings
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit performs preliminary analysis of the print data to detect breaks of copies while the print data is stored in the image forming apparatus for reservation printing. This preliminary action is performed in the background without delaying the authentication process, and enables rapid modification of the number of copies when users need to change settings, thus resolving the contradiction between security/reliability and time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a determination unit that determines whether a break of copies exists based on a content of a data area in print data for reservation printing and an updating unit that, in a case where the determination unit determines that the break of copies exists, updates an attribute value in the print data.