Image Forming Apparatus Margin Area Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently combining sheets with margin areas to form a seamless, non-standard-sized poster without excess blank space, requiring manual cutting and rearrangement of sheets.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a generation section that divides images into multiple sheets, an image forming section that forms images on sheets with designated margin areas, and a size determining section that optimizes margin sizes based on the original image and sheet dimensions, allowing for seamless combination without excess space or manual cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If margin areas are provided on sheets for combining images, then the sheets can be combined without cutting, but excess blank space is generated on the combined sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the margin width parameter based on the number of sheets in the combination. By calculating optimal margin widths (e.g., 10mm for 2 sheets, 5mm for 4 sheets, 3mm for 9 sheets), the system changes the margin parameter to match different combination scenarios, thereby reducing excess blank space while maintaining ease of combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The margin area is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically determines appropriate margin widths based on the specific combination configuration (number of sheets, arrangement pattern), allowing the margin size to adapt to different scenarios and minimize waste space.
2Device complexity
If fixed margin sizes are used on sheets, then the printing process is simplified, but the combined sheet may have excess blank space or images may extend beyond boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of optimal margin widths before the printing process based on the number of sheets and combination pattern. This pre-determination of margin parameters allows the printing process to remain simple while ensuring precise image placement without excess blank space or boundary violations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from the combination configuration (number of sheets, arrangement) to automatically adjust margin parameters. The control unit receives information about the combination scenario and uses this feedback to determine appropriate margin widths, ensuring both simplicity and precision.
3Loss of substance
If manual cutting and rearrangement of sheets is performed, then excess blank space can be removed, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the space optimization automatically without requiring manual intervention. The control unit self-determines optimal margin parameters and the printing process self-adjusts accordingly, eliminating the need for manual cutting and rearrangement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual cutting and rearrangement with an automated computational system. Instead of physically cutting sheets to remove excess space, the system uses algorithms to calculate optimal margins and automatically adjusts the printing parameters, substituting mechanical operations with automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a generation section, an image forming section, and a size determining section. The generation section divides a first image to generate a plurality of second images. The image forming section forms the second images on a plurality of sheets, respectively. The size determining section determines a size of a margin area allocated to at least one of the sheets. The image forming section forms the second images on the sheets, respectively, so that the second images are placed in a designated area on a combined sheet that is to be formed by combining the sheets. The size determining section determines the size of the margin area based on sizes of the designated area and the first image.