N-in-1 Image Synthesis for Paper Output Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carbon copy printing technologies reduce developing agent consumption but do not minimize paper output, as they do not process print data to reduce the quantity of paper used.
Innovation Solution
A data processing system comprising an image data preparation unit and an image synthesis instruction unit that prepares and synthesizes image data to print multiple page portions onto a single sheet of paper, either on one side or both sides, using a Multi-Function Peripheral (MFP) connected via a network, allowing for settings such as N-in-1 printing and duplex printing to minimize paper usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If carbon copy printing produces monochromatic prints for processing or record filing, then developing agent consumption is reduced, but paper output quantity is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies N-in-1 printing technology that synthesizes multiple page portions onto a single sheet of paper in the vertical dimension, allowing multiple documents to be stacked and printed on one page. This dimensional approach to paper consolidation directly reduces paper output quantity while maintaining the monochromatic printing benefit for developing agent savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple page portions from different documents into a single synthesized page for printing. By combining multiple documents' content onto one sheet through image synthesis, the system reduces the total number of sheets required while preserving all necessary information for processing and filing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical copies are produced for different purposes, then document requirements are met, but paper consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing process into distinct functional layers: image data preparation that creates different carbon copy patterns for various purposes (client copy, processing copy, filing copy), and image synthesis that consolidates these segmented outputs. This segmentation allows different document purposes to be fulfilled while reducing overall paper consumption through N-in-1 synthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal printing system that handles multiple document purposes (client delivery, internal processing, record filing) through a single integrated approach. The image data preparation unit generates versatile carbon copy patterns that can serve different functions, and the synthesis unit consolidates them, making the system adaptable to various needs without proportionally increasing paper consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
The data processing apparatus according to the present invention has the image data preparation unit that prepares various kinds of image data deriving from document data depending on various purposes of the document data; and the image synthesis instructing unit that instructs images to be synthesized based on the image data comprising a plurality of page portions on one sheet of paper for at least one kind of image data prepared by the image data preparation unit from various kinds of document data.