Post-Processing Determination Method for Image Forming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in understanding how to release prohibition relationships between multiple post-processing operations in image forming systems, such as stapling and cutting, leading to unintended results or incomplete processing.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system with a post-processing determination method that includes a hardware processor to assess the executability of multiple post-processing operations and provide notifications for adjusting numerical value settings, allowing users to change settings to enable all operations, specifically by calculating and displaying the necessary changes in cutting amounts to align with executable parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the system determines that a combination of post-processes are not executable and simply notifies the user to cancel or change settings, then the user is informed of the prohibition, but it becomes difficult to understand which post-processing should be canceled or how to change the settings to release the prohibition
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback not only about the prohibition state but also about the specific cause and the required action to resolve it. When a prohibition is detected, the system calculates the difference between the current setting and the executable setting, and notifies the user of this difference, enabling the user to understand exactly what adjustment is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary by calculating and providing the specific adjustment amount needed to resolve the prohibition. Instead of merely stating that a prohibition exists, the system computes the difference value and presents it to the user as a guided solution, bridging the gap between the problem and its resolution.
2Reliability
If the user changes post-processing contents such as staple positions and punching positions to release prohibition, then the prohibition may be released, but the results are often significantly different from the finish desired by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The system identifies which parameter (such as cutting amount) needs to be changed to release the prohibition and calculates the minimal adjustment required. By focusing on parameter changes rather than arbitrary setting modifications, the system ensures that the post-processing finish remains as close as possible to the user's original intent while still being executable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by making only the minimal necessary change to release the prohibition. Instead of allowing arbitrary changes that might significantly alter the finish, the system calculates and notifies the user of the specific partial adjustment needed, enabling the user to make a controlled, minimal modification that preserves the desired finish.
3Device complexity
If the system does not provide information about cutting amounts required for executable post-processing, then the system remains simple, but it is difficult for the user to know how much cutting is possible or how much cutting is required in combination with another post-processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback about the cutting amount difference by calculating and notifying the user of the specific value needed to make the post-processing executable. This feedback mechanism adds minimal complexity while delivering valuable information about the required adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the user to self-correct the setting by providing the difference value. The user can use this information to adjust the cutting amount themselves, eliminating the need for complex automated adjustment mechanisms while still providing comprehensive information.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes: an image forming apparatus; a post-processing apparatus that includes post-processors corresponding to at least two post-processes and perform the at least two post-processes stepwise on paper on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus; a setting receiver that receives post-processing settings corresponding to the at least two post-processes; and a hardware processor that determines whether or not the at least two post-processes are executable based on the post-processing settings corresponding to the at least two post-processes and that, in a case where it is determined that the at least two post-processes are not executable, when a post-processing setting corresponding to one of the at least two post-processes is a setting including numerical value input, provides notification regarding a numerical value input setting change in the post-processing setting corresponding to the one post-processing.