Printing Apparatus Logical Page Layout Drag-and-Drop Rearrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multipage printing technologies require complex operations or re-generation of printing data to change the layout of logical pages, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, especially when documents need to be re-scanned to correct the order of pages.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus and method that allows users to change the layout of logical pages by simple drag-and-drop operations on a preview screen, without needing to re-generate printing data or re-scan documents, by determining the destination area for moved logical pages and adjusting the layout accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If re-generation of printing data or re-scanning documents is performed to change the layout of logical pages, then the desired page arrangement can be achieved, but the time and effort required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout changing operationVSAvoidtime required for layout change
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a preview image that is a visual copy of the printed output, allowing users to interact with and rearrange logical pages in the preview before actual printing. This copying approach eliminates the need to re-generate printing data or re-scan documents, as all layout changes are made on the preview copy and then applied to the final output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows users to directly manipulate the preview image to rearrange logical pages through simple drag-and-drop operations. The preview image serves itself as the interface for layout modification, eliminating the need for complex re-generation processes or external document re-scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If re-generation of printing data is performed to change the layout, then the correct page order can be achieved, but the complexity of the operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout modification processVSAvoidprinting data processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying the original printing data, the patent creates a preview copy that represents the printed output. Users interact with this preview copy to rearrange pages, and the system automatically applies these changes to the actual printing process, avoiding the complexity of regenerating printing data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The preview image acts as an intermediary between the user and the printing system. It provides a visual representation that users can easily manipulate, while the system handles the complex task of translating these visual arrangements into actual printing data modifications in the background.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If documents are re-scanned to correct the order of pages, then the accurate page sequence can be achieved, but the time and resources required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepage sequence accuracyVSAvoidtime for re-scanning
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a preview copy of the printed output that allows users to visually verify and rearrange page sequences. This eliminates the need to re-scan documents, as all page ordering adjustments are made by manipulating the preview image rather than re-acquiring the source material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs a preliminary scan to generate the preview image, which then serves as the basis for all subsequent layout adjustments. Users can correct page sequences in the preview before actual printing, avoiding the need for additional re-scanning operations that would be required if the original documents needed correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2595050B1Printing apparatus, method of changing layout, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 CANON KK
  • EP2595050B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2595050B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2595050B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Logical pages (403 to 406) are laid out on a physical page (401, 402) according to setting of a multipage printing condition. When a user drags a logical page, a layout of logical pages is changed based on an area to which the logical page is dragged.