Image Forming Apparatus Sheet Parameter Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require users to repeatedly set adjustment values for multiple types of sheets with similar properties, impairing user convenience and productivity, as current systems do not allow simultaneous setting of image formation parameters across multiple sheets.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that allows users to input and store specific parameters for image formation, displaying a list of sheets, selecting relevant sheets, and controlling image formation based on stored parameters, enabling simultaneous setting of adjustment values across multiple sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If adjustment values are set individually for each sheet type, then image formation quality is optimized for each sheet, but the number of operations increases and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sheet settings into a single group setting. By defining groups that can contain multiple sheets, users can set adjustment values once for the entire group rather than individually for each sheet. This combining approach maintains optimized image formation quality for each sheet type while dramatically reducing the number of operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal group settings that can apply to multiple sheet types simultaneously. The group setting mechanism allows a single set of adjustment values to serve multiple functions across different sheets, eliminating the need for repetitive individual settings while ensuring each sheet receives appropriate optimization.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustment values are set individually for each sheet type, then specific sheet requirements are met, but productivity decreases due to repeated operations
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple sheet settings into groups, the system allows users to set adjustment values once for multiple sheets. This merging eliminates repetitive operations while maintaining sheet-specific optimization, thereby significantly improving operational efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary grouping of sheets before setting adjustment values. Users can pre-organize sheets into groups based on their characteristics, then apply settings to the entire group at once. This preliminary action reduces the need for repeated operations and enhances productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple sheet settings are managed separately, then each sheet configuration is precise, but the complexity of parameter management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments sheet management into two hierarchical levels: groups and individual sheets. This segmentation allows precise configuration at the sheet level while enabling batch management at the group level. Users can manage parameters more easily by working with groups rather than individually configuring each sheet, reducing overall management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to sheet parameter management by introducing groups as an intermediate layer. This dimensional change transforms flat individual sheet management into a hierarchical structure, allowing users to manage multiple sheets through group settings while maintaining the ability to adjust individual sheet parameters when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
When sheets having the same surface property and grammage are registered on a size basis, adjustment value registration operations need to be repeated for the respective sheets as many as these sizes. An image forming apparatus that includes a display unit and forms an image on a sheet sets a setting value of adjustment influenced by the characteristics of the image forming apparatus upon forming an image by using a sheet, and then displays a sheet list which displays a list of a plurality of types of sheets on a display unit and reflects the set setting value on at least one sheet selected from the sheet list.