Image Forming Apparatus Post-Processing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face complexity in post-processing settings for sheet bundles, particularly when dealing with sheets capable of both longitudinal and transverse transport, leading to increased user difficulty in selecting appropriate binding patterns and operability issues due to numerous setting options and restrictive judgment processes.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a post-processing designator that identifies and designates the post-processing side of a sheet bundle based on whether the image is a portrait or landscape image, using combination information to simplify post-processing information and allow flexible selection of post-processing sides and positions, and a controller that performs post-processing based on this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple binding position information is used for sheets capable of longitudinal and transverse transport, then post-processing flexibility is improved, but setting complexity and user difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the post-processing side selection into two independent dimensions: orientation (long side/short side) and position (left/right/upper/lower). This segmentation transforms a complex multi-dimensional selection problem into simpler, independent selection steps, reducing user cognitive load while maintaining full flexibility for all binding patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a two-dimensional selection framework where users first select the orientation dimension (long side or short side as post-processing side) and then select the position dimension (left/right/upper/lower). This dimensional decomposition allows comprehensive post-processing coverage without presenting all 32 binding patterns simultaneously to the user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all possible binding position combinations are displayed, then post-processing pattern selection completeness is improved, but user operability and selection ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the binding pattern selection into two sequential selection stages: first selecting orientation (long side/short side) and then selecting position (left/right/upper/lower). This segmentation presents only 2 options in the first stage and 4 options in the second stage, rather than overwhelming users with all 32 combinations at once, thereby maintaining completeness while dramatically improving ease of selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic, multi-stage selection interface where the second stage of position selection is activated only after the orientation selection is made. This dynamic presentation adapts the information load to user progress through the selection process, maintaining simplicity at each step while ensuring complete pattern coverage is available.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of setting items is increased for multi-function printers, then functionality is improved, but operability and user memory load worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the post-processing settings into distinct, manageable components: orientation selection and position selection. This segmentation allows users to focus on one aspect at a time rather than remembering all setting items simultaneously, reducing cognitive load while maintaining full multi-function post-processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent structures the setting process so that orientation selection is performed first as a preliminary action, which then determines the context for the subsequent position selection. This preliminary action organizes the setting flow logically, making it easier for users to follow and remember the sequence without being overwhelmed by all options at once.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex sorting is required to determine proper stapling/punching processing, then post-processing accuracy is improved, but setting time and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the post-processing determination into two independent decision points: orientation (long side/short side) and position (left/right/upper/lower). This segmentation replaces complex sorting logic with simple, sequential selections that maintain accurate post-processing determination while dramatically reducing the time required for users to complete settings.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and performing post-processing with respect to the sheet having the image, includes a post-processing designator for designating a post-processing side of a sheet bundle, and a post-processing position with respect to the post-processing side. The post-processing designator identifies four sides of the sheet based on combination information relating to combination of discrimination as to whether the post-processing side is a long side or a short side of the sheet, and discrimination as to whether the post-processing side is a left side, a right side, an upper side, or a lower side of the sheet, depending on whether the image to be formed on the sheet is a portrait image or a landscape image, and designates the post-processing side by using the combination information.