Image Forming System Trial Print Control for Post-Processing Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming systems with post-processing devices, accurately confirming the state of uncompleted sheet bundles without producing a final booklet is challenging, especially when post-processing conditions differ from actual job requirements, leading to inefficient trial print processes and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
The image forming system includes a controller that controls the image forming apparatus and post-processing device to output sheets in states corresponding to designated post-processing, allowing for uncompleted trial prints that replicate the final booklet state, enabling accurate confirmation of post-processing conditions without completing the booklet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If trial print is executed with post-processing device to confirm booklet state, then accurate confirmation of post-processing conditions is achieved, but consumable materials (glue, staples) are wasted and processing time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary imaging actions to simulate the post-processing state without actually executing the post-processing. The controller generates trial image data that reflects how the final output would appear, allowing operators to confirm post-processing conditions (binding positions, cutting amounts, image arrangements) before committing consumable materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy or simulation of the post-processed booklet state through image data processing. Instead of producing a physical booklet with glue and staples for trial purposes, the controller generates digital representations that replicate the appearance and layout of the finished product, enabling accurate confirmation without material wastage.
2Measurement precision
If trial print is executed with post-processing device, then booklet state can be confirmed, but processing time is consumed including glue heating time
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical post-processing system (glue application, stapling, cutting mechanisms) with a computational imaging system. The controller processes image data to simulate the post-processed state, eliminating the need for actual mechanical post-processing operations during trial prints. This substitution reduces processing time by removing steps such as glue heating and physical bookbinding while maintaining accurate visual confirmation.
3Reliability
If post-processing is executed for trial print to match actual job conditions, then accurate confirmation is possible, but resource efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters of the trial process from physical post-processing execution to computational image simulation. The controller modifies image data parameters (position, size, arrangement) to reflect the intended post-processing outcomes, allowing accurate representation of the final job conditions without consuming physical resources. This parameter-based approach maintains reliability while improving resource efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming system including: an image forming section which forms images on sheets; a post-processing device which executes post-processing on the sheets on which the images are formed on the image forming section; and a controller which controls the image forming apparatus and the post-processing device, wherein the image forming section forms the images on the sheets in a state corresponding to the post-processing as a trial print with respect to a job for which the post-processing is designated, and the post-processing device ejects the sheets in a state that the post-processing is not completed on the sheets on which the images are formed.