Test Print Sheet Control for Case Binding Confirmation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems require separate preparation of body data for case binding operations, which is time-consuming and inefficient when using a test print function to confirm the operation.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system that includes a control unit to manage the printing of a test print pattern image on a bundle of sheets, adjusting the number of sheets based on whether case binding or other post-processing is required, thereby eliminating the need for separate preparation of body data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate body data preparation is performed for case binding test print, then the test print function can confirm case binding operation, but it takes time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfirmation of case binding operationVSAvoidtime and effort for data preparation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cover data and body data into a single integrated test print data structure. The control unit automatically generates and combines both data types when receiving a test print instruction for case binding, eliminating the need for separate body data preparation while ensuring complete confirmation of case binding operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit performs preliminary generation of body data automatically when a test print instruction is received. By pre-generating the necessary body data and integrating it with cover data before printing, the system eliminates the manual preparation step and reduces the time and effort required for test print execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple sheets are printed for case binding test, then the spine gluing operation can be confirmed, but the number of sheets increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfirmation of spine gluing operationVSAvoidnumber of sheets

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial action by printing only the minimum necessary number of sheets required for spine gluing confirmation. The control unit calculates and executes printing of exactly the needed quantity (cover sheets plus sufficient body sheets for gluing), avoiding excessive sheet consumption while ensuring complete verification of the spine gluing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20260054955A1Image forming system, method of controlling image forming system, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 CANON KK

AI summary

Convenience when case binding operation is confirmed is to be improved. A method of controlling an image forming system configured to perform case binding includes receiving a number of sheets on which a test print pattern image is to be printed, receiving a print instruction to print the test print pattern image, and performing control to perform printing based on the print instruction, wherein, in a case where execution of predetermined postprocessing different from the case binding is set and the print instruction is received, the control is performed to print the pattern image on the received number of sheets, and in a case where execution of the case binding is set and the print instruction is received, the control is performed to print the pattern image on a number of sheets greater by a predetermined number of sheets than the received number of sheets.