Image Forming Apparatus Index Printing File Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face cumbersome operations when trying to print desired images from a storage medium with a directory structure, as they need to input directory numbers after searching for the desired image on index-printed sheets.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a first designation portion to select directories, a first printing portion for index printing, a display portion, and a first display control portion to display information for file designation, allowing users to easily select and print images by navigating through a hierarchical directory structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If index printing is used to display directories, then image selection becomes possible, but operation complexity increases due to requiring manual directory number input
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically displays directory information and image thumbnails on the display portion without requiring users to manually input directory numbers. The apparatus serves itself by presenting the directory structure and image listings directly, allowing users to simply select from displayed options rather than following complex manual input procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of manually inputting directory numbers with an automated display system. The display portion electronically presents directory information and image thumbnails, substituting the manual mechanical process of number entry with an automated visual interface that guides users through selection.
2Quantity of substance
If directory structure is used to store large quantity of images, then storage organization improves, but search complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large quantity of images into organized directories, each displayed separately on the display portion. By dividing the image collection into manageable directory segments with visual thumbnails, users can easily navigate and search through images without being overwhelmed by the total quantity, making the search process simpler despite high storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (thumbnails) of images and directory structures on the display portion, allowing users to search and identify images visually rather than through complex directory navigation. These visual representations serve as simplified copies that make searching through large quantities of images much easier.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a first designation portion which designates a directory from plural directories stored in a storage medium; a first printing portion which index prints images on a first print medium based on files stored in the directory designated by the first designation portion, the files including at least one of an image data file and a sub-directory; a display portion; a first display control portion which controls the display portion to display information for designating the files after the images are index-printed by the first printing portion; a second designation portion which designates one of the files based on the information displayed on the display portion; and a second printing portion which prints an image on a second print medium based on the designated one of the files.