Image Forming Apparatus Automatic Print Count Based on Person Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming methods require users to manually count and set the number of prints for each photograph, making the process cumbersome, especially when different numbers of prints are needed for specific people in images.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that includes an image reading portion, person recognition portion, control portion, and printing control portion to automatically detect and set the number of prints based on recognized people in images, allowing for flexible print settings by associating the number of face images with each photographic image and optionally adding the number of photographers to the print count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual counting and setting of print numbers is used for each photograph, then the user can precisely control the number of prints for specific people, but the operation becomes very cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic person recognition and automated print number setting based on recognized people, eliminating the need for manual counting and setting operations by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter determination method from manual user input to automated recognition-based determination, where the print number is automatically set according to the number of recognized people or specific identified individuals
2Ease of operation
If automatic person detection is used to set print numbers, then the operation is simplified and automated, but the user cannot specify different print numbers for specific people within the photograph
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the automatic recognition results by identifying specific people individually, allowing different print numbers to be assigned to different recognized persons while maintaining automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary selection mechanism where recognized people are first identified automatically, then the user can select specific persons from the recognition results to determine the final print number, combining automation with flexibility
Data Source
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AI summary
In an image forming apparatus (100), an association portion (404) is configured to associate, with each photographic image, the number of person images included in the photographic image as a number of prints when a plurality of photographic images are read. A determination portion (405) is configured to determine whether, among the plurality of photographic images, there is a person photographic image. An inquiry portion (407) is configured to inquire a user about whether to add the number of photographers to the number of prints associated with each photographic image, when there is the person photographic image. An addition portion (406) is configured to set an addition number obtained by adding the number of photographers to the number of prints for each photographic image, as a number of prints for each photographic image when receiving from the user a reply that the number of photographers is to be added to the number of prints.