MFP Preview Finishing Using Sample Image Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Multi Function Peripherals (MFPs) lack the ability to preview finishing states such as punching or stapling before actual printing, leading to potential errors and paper waste, as they require pre-scanning and image data processing, which increases processing load and is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An MFP system that generates temporary finishing information using sample image data, allowing users to input settings on a preview screen without needing to pre-scan the document, and then applies these settings to the actual image data for printing, enabling a visual check and adjustment before actual printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pre-scanning and image data processing are performed to enable preview of finishing state, then the ability to check finished state before printing is improved, but the processing load increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to check finished stateVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a sample image as a simplified copy or representation of the actual document image. Instead of processing the full-resolution real image data for preview purposes, the system generates finishing information based on a smaller sample image, thereby reducing processing load while still enabling users to check the finished state before actual printing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs finishing processing only on a partial representation (sample image) rather than the complete real image data. This partial action is sufficient to demonstrate the finishing effect for user verification, avoiding the need to process the entire high-resolution image dataset

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Measurement precision

If finishing processing is applied to pre-scanned document image to generate preview, then the preview accuracy is improved, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreview accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sample image serves as a representative copy that maintains the essential characteristics needed for accurate preview of finishing effects. This copy allows the system to generate timely previews without requiring extensive processing of the full-resolution document image

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares sample image data in advance before actual printing operations. By having the sample image ready beforehand, the system can quickly generate finishing previews when users initiate printing, avoiding delays associated with real-time processing of large image datasets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7809300B2Image forming apparatus showing preview of finishing as applied to sample image

Publication Date: 2010.10.05 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

Sample image data are stored beforehand in a storage unit. A first generation unit generates temporary finishing information by making setting processing on the sample image data based on setting information, and a second generation unit generates input screen information including setting processing items to accept various setting inputs to the temporary finishing information. A display unit displays an input screen based on the temporary finishing information and the input screen information, and a setting output unit outputs setting information received via the input screen to the first generation unit. Finally, a copying processing unit executes copying processing with respect to the real image data based on the temporary finishing information.