Image Forming Apparatus Background Pattern Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses lack user flexibility in managing background pattern settings, requiring administrators to change settings for each print job, which is inconvenient for general users with limited access rights.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a mode determination unit to identify pattern superimposing modes based on administrator-set and user-set parameters, allowing users to configure background patterns for document properties using a property-mode correlation table, enabling users to partially change settings for background pattern printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only administrators can change background pattern settings, then security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates as users must request changes each time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments background pattern parameters into two categories: important parameters (controlled by administrators to maintain security) and unimportant parameters (modifiable by users for convenience). This segmentation allows users to change non-critical parameters like text font, size, and color without compromising security, while administrators retain control over critical security-related settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different levels of parameter modification rights across different parameter types. Users have full modification rights for unimportant parameters while administrators control important parameters. This localized approach to parameter control enables users to customize background patterns within security boundaries, improving convenience without sacrificing security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users can freely change all background pattern settings, then user flexibility improves, but security deteriorates as users may cancel background pattern printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides background pattern parameters into important parameters that affect security (controlled by administrators) and unimportant parameters that affect appearance (modifiable by users). This segmentation enables users to exercise flexibility in customizing background patterns through unimportant parameters while administrators maintain security through control of important parameters, preventing users from canceling background pattern printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different modification permissions to different parameter groups. Users can freely modify unimportant parameters for personalization, while important parameters remain under administrator control to ensure security requirements are met. This localized permission structure provides user flexibility without compromising security.
3Reliability
If administrators must change settings for each print job, then security control is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing users to independently modify unimportant background pattern parameters without administrator intervention. Users can directly adjust text properties, colors, and other non-critical settings through the user interface, eliminating the need for administrators to manually configure each print job while maintaining security through administrator-controlled important parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments parameters into important and unimportant categories, enabling users to self-configure unimportant parameters while administrators focus on maintaining important security-related parameters. This segmentation significantly improves productivity by reducing administrator workload to only essential security configurations while users handle routine customizations independently.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus, having a function of superimposing a pattern on an image based on parameters set for one or more document properties, includes a memory to store an administrator-set parameter and a user-set parameter settable for each one of the document properties of the superimposed pattern; a mode determination unit to identify a pattern superimposing mode from a plurality of pattern superimposing modes; a pattern information obtaining unit to obtain the administrator-set parameter or the user-set parameter for each one of the document properties to be used for superimposing the pattern on the image based on the identified pattern superimposing mode and by referencing a property-mode correlation table correlating each one of the document properties and the plurality of pattern superimposing modes; an image drawing information generator to generate image drawing information for the image superimposed with the pattern; and an image outputting unit to output the image.