Image Forming Apparatus Preview via Information Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction peripherals (MFPs) often lack the ability to display preview images of documents on their control panels, and even when they can, the display size may be too small for effective previewing, making it difficult for users to confirm content before printing or transmitting.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that creates a preview image of a document, stores its data, and generates a two-dimensional information code representing the storage location, allowing users to access and display the preview image on a connected terminal device, enabling confirmation before printing or transmitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the preview image is displayed on the control panel of the MFP, then the user can confirm the document content, but the display size is too small for effective previewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the preview display from the two-dimensional constrained control panel to a larger external terminal device (smartphone, tablet, or PC), effectively adding spatial dimensionality to the display solution. This allows the preview image to be rendered at a much larger scale while maintaining the original imaging function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information code (QR code or barcode) that bridges the MFP and external terminal device. This code contains encoded image data that the terminal device can read and display, serving as a mediator that transfers the preview function from the MFP's limited display to the terminal's larger display.
2Ease of operation
If the MFP has no preview display function, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot check the document before printing or transmitting
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device (smartphone, tablet, or PC) performs the preview display function independently by reading the information code and rendering the image data locally. This self-service approach eliminates the need for the MFP to have built-in preview display hardware, reducing MFP complexity while maintaining verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the preview display function from the MFP system and relocates it to external terminal devices. By separating this function, the MFP's complexity is reduced while users retain the ability to verify documents through their own devices, which they already possess.
3Area of stationary object
If the preview image is displayed on a terminal device via information code, then the display size is sufficient for effective previewing, but an additional step of scanning the code is required
Solution Approach 1:
The MFP automatically generates and displays the information code immediately after image capture, before the user needs to view the preview. This preliminary preparation of the code eliminates waiting time and streamlines the process, as the code is ready for immediate scanning when the user wants to view the preview on their terminal device.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a processor configured to create a preview image of an image created by executing a job; store image data of the created preview image in a memory; create an information code representing a storage area of the memory where the image data is stored; and display the information code created by the processor on a display.