Print Control Apparatus for Aspect Ratio Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies fail to accurately print images of varying aspect ratios on different sheet sizes without leaving margins, leading to impaired print quality when sheet sizes with different aspect ratios are used.
Innovation Solution
A print control apparatus and method that determines a margin setting and selects appropriate width and length from candidate sheet sizes detected by a sensor, allowing for precise image sizing to fit the print medium, ensuring the image is printed without margins on larger sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the reference size is enlarged to fit into the size B sheet without margins, then the sheet utilization is improved, but the image aspect ratio becomes distorted and print quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the sizing process have different functions: the reference size selection is localized to match the aspect ratio of the printing target, while the magnification is localized to fit within the printable area of the sheet. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the reference size to be specifically tailored to the image dimensions rather than uniformly scaled to fill the entire sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the reference size selection adaptive based on the detected sheet size and the aspect ratio of the printing target. The system dynamically adjusts which reference size from the group to use, and dynamically calculates the magnification factor, rather than using a fixed reference size enlargement approach. This allows optimal utilization while maintaining image quality.
2Device complexity
If a fixed reference size is used for all sheet sizes, then the printing process is simplified, but the image cannot be appropriately sized for different sheet aspect ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a group of reference sizes that can serve multiple functions for different sheet types. Instead of having a single fixed reference size, the system maintains a universal set of reference sizes that can adapt to various sheet aspect ratios while following a standardized selection process, thus balancing simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the reference size parameters to change based on the detected sheet size and the aspect ratio of the printing target. The system changes which reference size is selected and adjusts the magnification parameter dynamically, rather than keeping fixed parameters for all printing scenarios. This enables adaptability while maintaining a systematic approach.
3Area of stationary object
If the image is scaled to fill the entire sheet, then the margin is eliminated, but the image may exceed the printable area or be distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the sheet width sensor to detect the actual sheet size, then using this feedback information to appropriately select the reference size and calculate the magnification factor. The system continuously monitors the sheet dimensions and adjusts the image sizing accordingly, ensuring the image fits within the printable area without distortion while maximizing utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing a group of reference sizes with different aspect ratios before the printing process begins. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly select the appropriate reference size based on the detected sheet dimensions without complex real-time calculations, ensuring reliable output quality while maximizing area utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus individually selects a width and a length corresponding a margin setting from among respective widths and lengths of a plurality of candidates of print medium which are obtained by a sensor detecting the size of the print medium. Then, the apparatus causes a print unit to print an image in a size corresponding to the selected width and length and the margin setting.