Image Rotation for Mixed Stapled Output Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming systems, the coexistence of stapled and non-stapled outputs in the same job leads to user discomfort due to differing orientations of images, requiring time-consuming corrections to align them properly for easy handling.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system with a setting section that enables a booklet division mode, where the orientation of images on output media with and without post-processing are aligned by determining a rotation standard or angle to match the orientation of images subjected to post-processing, ensuring consistent image orientation for both types of outputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If post processing is applied to some output media in a job, then stapling position control is improved, but image orientation consistency deteriorates when mixing stapled and non-stapled outputs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestapling position controlVSAvoidimage orientation consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts image rotation based on post-processing requirements. When booklet division mode is detected with mixed stapled and non-stapled outputs, the system rotates images on non-stapled pages to match the orientation of stapled pages, making the rotation adaptive rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different rotation treatments are applied to different portions of the job output. Pages requiring post-processing receive one rotation treatment while pages without post-processing receive a different rotation treatment, allowing each portion to have optimal local quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If images are rotated for post processing alignment, then stapling position is correct, but handling complexity increases for mixed output types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestapling position alignmentVSAvoidhandling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when booklet division mode is used with mixed output types and self-adjusts the image rotation without requiring user intervention. The control unit automatically calculates and applies the necessary rotation to non-stapled pages to match stapled pages, making the system self-servicing rather than user-dependent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If booklet division mode is enabled with mixed outputs, then processing flexibility is improved, but user handling time increases due to orientation misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing flexibilityVSAvoiduser handling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs image rotation in advance during the image forming process, before the outputs are ejected to the user. By pre-rotating images on non-stapled pages to match the orientation of stapled pages, the system eliminates the need for users to manually realign outputs, saving handling time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8115961B2Method and apparatus providing consistent rotation for pages in a job in accordance with post-processing requirements

Publication Date: 2012.02.14 KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECH INC

AI summary

In the image forming system, there is provided an image processing section which determines a rotation standard for rotating image information so that an orientation of an image which is to be formed on an output medium on which prescribed post processing is not to be conducted agrees with an orientation of an image formed on an output medium on which prescribed post processing is to be conducted, if a booklet division mode is set by the setting section, and which conducts rotation processing on the image information based on the rotation standard.