Image Forming Apparatus Repeat Printing Trial Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses waste resources as they repeatedly print the same images when using the repeat printing function, and users cannot verify the desired printing state until the entire sheet is printed, leading to unnecessary waste.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a repeat printing function that allows users to check the finished state of a single image on a sheet of paper, enabling resource-saving by performing repeat printing only on a blank space, and incorporating a trial printing function to verify print conditions before repeating the entire print job.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the repeat printing function prints multiple identical images on one sheet, then the quantity of images produced increases, but recording paper and toner are wasted when trial printing is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing process into two distinct modes: trial printing mode (printing only one image) and repeat printing mode (printing multiple images). This segmentation allows users to first verify print quality with a single image before committing resources to multiple copies, thereby reducing waste while maintaining productivity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring trial printing first before executing repeat printing. Users can check the finished state of the printed image and adjust print conditions if necessary before producing the full quantity of images, preventing resource waste on unwanted prints.
2Reliability
If trial printing is performed on a separate sheet, then print conditions can be verified, but recording paper consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trial printing function and repeat printing function into a single integrated system. The same recording paper sheet serves dual purposes: first for trial printing to verify print conditions, then for repeat printing to produce multiple images. This eliminates the need for separate trial printing sheets, reducing paper consumption while maintaining verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The recording paper sheet is given universal functionality - it can be used for both trial printing and repeat printing. The image forming apparatus automatically switches between trial printing mode and repeat printing mode based on user input, making the same paper sheet serve multiple functions and reducing overall paper consumption.
3Ease of operation
If multiple images are printed during trial printing, then the repeat printing layout can be tested, but all printed images become waste if adjustments are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by printing only one image during trial printing instead of the full quantity. This partial printing provides sufficient information for users to verify print conditions and make adjustments without producing excessive images that would become waste if changes are needed.
Data Source
AI summary
When trial printing is executed in a repeat printing mode, trial printing is performed in size of an image of one piece in a layout in which a plurality of images are supposed to be printed in the repeat printing mode normally. A user who has checked a finished state of the trial printing sets, when the finished state is in a desired state, the recording paper on which the trial printing is performed to the paper feed portion again and executes the repeat printing. Thereby, in a blank space excluding a print image which is printed with a first time trial printing, a scheduled quantity of a plurality of images are repeatedly printed.