Image Forming Apparatus Group-Based Print Setting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses lack the ability to apply different print settings to varying pages within a single document, typically applying the same settings to all pages, which limits flexibility and user control over print configurations such as single-sided or duplex printing.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a user interface that allows users to select and categorize pages into groups, enabling distinct print settings for each group, such as 1in1 or 2in1 settings, and single-sided or duplex printing, by utilizing a display section, input section, and controller to manage and execute these settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the same print settings are applied to all pages in a document, then the operation is simple and fast, but the flexibility and user control over print configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a document into multiple groups, allowing different print settings to be applied to each group. Users can select specific page ranges and assign them to different groups, then apply distinct print configurations (such as single-sided or duplex printing, different Nin1 settings) to each group. This segmentation enables flexible customization of print settings for different portions of a document while maintaining manageable operation through group-based organization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different print settings are applied to different pages within a single document, then user control and flexibility are enhanced, but the complexity of the setting operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows users to pre-define groups with specific print settings before executing the print job. During the print setup, users can create groups, assign page ranges to these groups, and configure print parameters for each group in advance. This preliminary organization of settings reduces the complexity during actual print execution, as the system automatically applies the pre-configured settings to the appropriate groups without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus of the embodiments includes a display section, an input section, a controller, and a printing section. A plurality of first images in the form of sheets and a plurality of second images targeted for printing. The input section acquires information about a position designated by a user, the position being within a display region of the display section. The controller detects that one or two or more of the plurality of second images are selected on the basis of the information about the position. In response to release of the selected second image on one of the plurality of first images, the controller makes setting such that the released second image is categorized in one group, and makes print setting for each group. The printing section prints the second image on a sheet on the basis of the print setting made by the controller.