Simple principles of self-imaging in Multi-Mode Interference (MMI) devices are based on the approximation of propagation constants. The analysis of the basic nature of the self-imaging principle reveals the problems of previous optimization methods, and provides a new scheme to optimize the external variables for the reconciliation of approximation problems by considering two different tendencies of approximation effects. Furthermore, the representative mode method is proposed to make the application easy. This optimization method provides an essential method for stable design and fabrication of MMI devices with improved characteristics.