Image Size Adjustment for Uninterrupted Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses face interruptions when trying to print images of sizes that do not match the available paper sizes, as they need to stop the printing operation and require users to supply matching paper, leading to inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus can continue printing by setting the size of an image to match the available paper size using an automatic or manual output mode, allowing it to print on paper of a different size, ensuring continuous operation without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the image forming apparatus prints images only when paper size matches image size, then printing quality is maintained, but printing operation is interrupted and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting qualityVSAvoidprinting operation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the image size adjustable and adaptable based on available paper sizes. The image forming apparatus dynamically changes the output image size to match different paper sizes in the paper trays, allowing continuous printing operations without interruption while maintaining acceptable printing quality through scalable image rendering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the image forming apparatus stops printing when paper size mismatch occurs, then printing accuracy is maintained, but user intervention is required and operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage size accuracyVSAvoiduser intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the image forming apparatus to automatically detect available paper sizes and autonomously adjust the output image size accordingly. The system performs self-adjustment without requiring user intervention, automatically selecting appropriate paper trays and modifying image dimensions to match the available paper, thereby maintaining printing accuracy while eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the image forming apparatus requires exact paper size matching, then image fidelity is preserved, but adaptability to different paper sizes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage fidelityVSAvoidpaper size compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the output image size parameter to match different paper sizes. The image forming apparatus changes the dimensional parameters of the output image according to the available paper sizes in the paper trays, allowing the system to adapt to various paper sizes while preserving image fidelity through proportional scaling and appropriate rendering adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3544819B1Outputting plurality of images having different sizes
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3544819B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3544819B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3544819B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Provided are an image forming apparatus for outputting a plurality of images having different sizes according to a method pre-set by a user without interrupting a current printing operation when the plurality of images having different sizes are obtained and a method of operating the image forming apparatus.