Rotation Control Unit for Mixed-Size Document Preview Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming systems struggle to accurately display previews for mixed-sized documents and post-processing positions, requiring multiple rotation logics for different printer models, making the process cumbersome and complex.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a rotation control unit that aligns pages of different sizes by rotating them based on a determined rotation direction, using a rule that considers page size, orientation, and post-processing settings, allowing for a unified logic across various printers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional preview techniques are used with current application programs, then printing results can be displayed, but multiple rotation logics must be prepared for different printer models, making the process cumbersome and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreview accuracyVSAvoidrotation logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal preview technique that works across different printer models and document types. The system determines the type of document to be printed and automatically applies appropriate rotation logic, eliminating the need for separate rotation logics for each printer model. This universal approach handles mixed-sized documents, duplex printing, and post-processing scenarios through a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary determination of the document type and rotation requirements before printing. By analyzing the document characteristics in advance and pre-calculating the appropriate rotation logic, the system prepares the preview image with correct orientation and positioning beforehand, avoiding the need for multiple rotation logics during the printing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a unified application program is used across various printers, then device compatibility is improved, but the program must handle multiple rotation logics, making processes cumbersome and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinter compatibilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic rotation logic selection mechanism that automatically adapts to different document types and printer configurations. Instead of requiring users to manually select from multiple rotation logics, the system dynamically determines the appropriate rotation logic based on the document characteristics and printer model, making the unified application program easy to operate across various printers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-determination of the appropriate rotation logic by automatically analyzing the document type and printer configuration. This self-service approach eliminates the need for user intervention in selecting rotation logics, allowing a unified application program to work seamlessly across different printers without complicating the user interface or操作流程.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If mixed-sized originals with different orientations are printed, then document versatility is improved, but accurate preview display becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument size flexibilityVSAvoidpreview accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the document processing into distinct types (first type and second type) based on size and orientation characteristics. By categorizing mixed-sized originals into different segments with specific rotation rules, the system can accurately determine the appropriate rotation logic for each segment, enabling precise preview display for diverse document combinations including mixed A4 and A3 sizes with different orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2455816B1Information processing apparatus, computer program product, and information processing method
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP2455816B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2455816B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2455816B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

An information processing apparatus (100) connected to an image forming apparatus (200) includes: a size detecting unit (102) that detects a size of each page of a document to be printed; an orientation detecting unit (103) that detects orientation of each page of the document; a receiving unit (101) that receives a setting of post processing that is to be performed on a printed sheet on which the document is printed; a determining unit (104) that determines whether pages of different sizes, both having one side of the same length and other sides of different lengths, are detected in the document; a rotation control unit (105) that, when the determining unit (104) determines that the pages of the different sizes have been detected, rotates pages so that sides of the same length are aligned on the basis of the setting of the post processing; and an output unit (110) that outputs the document with the pages rotated.