A paper spacing adjustment method, an image forming apparatus, a device, and a storage medium.

Abstract

This invention relates to a paper pitch adjustment method, an image forming apparatus, a device, and a storage medium. The method, applied to an image forming apparatus, includes: determining the theoretical and actual paper feed times of a first sheet; determining a paper feed time deviation of the first sheet based on a first difference between the actual and theoretical paper feed times; determining a paper pitch correction value between the first sheet and a second sheet based on the paper feed time deviation; wherein the second sheet is the next sheet adjacent to the first sheet; and adjusting the paper pitch between the first sheet and the second sheet based on the paper pitch correction value. After obtaining the actual paper feed time of the current sheet, the paper pitch correction value is calculated based on the difference between the actual and theoretical paper feed times, and the paper pitch of the next sheet is corrected based on this correction value, thereby improving the PPM of the image forming apparatus while avoiding paper jams.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming technology, and in particular to a paper spacing adjustment method, an image forming apparatus, a device, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] During printing, the image forming apparatus needs to transport paper from the paper tray to the imaging unit. During this transport, poor paper separation may cause the next sheet to be partially carried out of the tray as the previous sheet is ejected. The image forming apparatus often fails to detect this, assuming the next sheet is still in the tray and controlling the feed time of the next sheet according to the original paper spacing. This results in insufficient paper spacing between the previous and next sheets, or even paper jams. This problem will cause the pages per minute (PPM) parameter of the image forming apparatus to exceed the limit and become unstable. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a paper spacing adjustment method, an image forming apparatus, a device, and a storage medium, which dynamically adjusts the paper spacing based on the expansion or contraction of the actual paper spacing of the previous page, thereby improving the PPM parameter of the image forming apparatus while avoiding paper jams.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a paper spacing adjustment method, applied to an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0005] Determine the theoretical feed time and actual feed time for the first sheet;

[0006] The paper feed time deviation of the first paper is determined based on the first difference between the actual paper feed time and the theoretical paper feed time;

[0007] The paper spacing correction value between the first paper and the second paper is determined based on the paper feed time deviation; wherein, the second paper is the next paper adjacent to the first paper;

[0008] Adjust the paper spacing between the first paper and the second paper according to the paper spacing correction value.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the image forming apparatus is provided with a paper feeding element and a paper feeding sensor to determine the actual paper feeding time of the first paper, including:

[0010] Determine the first moment when the paper feed element begins to transport the first sheet;

[0011] Determine the second moment when the tip of the first sheet of paper reaches the paper feed sensor;

[0012] The actual paper feed time of the first paper is determined based on the first time and the second time.

[0013] In one possible implementation, determining the theoretical feed time of the first sheet includes:

[0014] Determine the theoretical paper feed speed of the image forming apparatus, and the paper feed distance between the paper tray of the image forming apparatus and the paper feed sensor;

[0015] The theoretical paper feeding time is obtained based on the theoretical paper feed speed and the paper feed distance.

[0016] In one possible implementation, determining the paper spacing correction value between the first and second sheets based on the paper feed time deviation includes:

[0017] The first distance is determined based on the paper feed time deviation and the theoretical paper feed speed of the image forming apparatus;

[0018] The first distance is determined as the paper spacing correction value between the first paper and the second paper.

[0019] In one possible implementation, before determining the first distance as the paper spacing correction value, the method further includes:

[0020] Determine whether the first distance is greater than the first threshold;

[0021] If the first distance is less than or equal to the first threshold, then the first distance is determined as the paper spacing correction value;

[0022] If the first distance is greater than the first threshold, then the first threshold is determined as the paper spacing correction value.

[0023] In one possible implementation, adjusting the paper spacing between the first paper and the second paper according to the paper spacing correction value includes:

[0024] Obtain the first size information of the first sheet of paper;

[0025] The theoretical paper spacing between the first paper and the second paper is obtained based on the first size information;

[0026] The first paper spacing is obtained based on the theoretical paper spacing and the paper spacing correction value;

[0027] The first paper spacing is taken as the paper spacing between the first paper and the second paper.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the image forming apparatus is provided with a paper feed sensor, and the step of using the first paper spacing as the paper spacing between the first paper and the second paper includes:

[0029] The first duration is determined based on the first paper spacing and the theoretical paper feed speed of the image forming device;

[0030] Feeding of the second paper begins after a first time elapses after the tip of the first sheet reaches the paper feed sensor.

[0031] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0032] The paper feed time determination module is used to determine the theoretical paper feed time and the actual paper feed time for the first sheet.

[0033] The deviation determination module is used to determine the paper feeding time deviation of the first paper based on the first difference between the actual paper feeding time and the theoretical paper feeding time.

[0034] The paper spacing correction value determination module is used to determine the paper spacing correction value between the first paper and the second paper based on the paper feed time deviation; wherein, the second paper is the next paper adjacent to the first paper;

[0035] The paper spacing adjustment module is used to adjust the paper spacing between the first paper and the second paper according to the paper spacing correction value.

[0036] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device, comprising:

[0037] At least one processor; and

[0038] At least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein:

[0039] The memory stores program instructions that can be executed by the processor, and the processor can execute the method described in the first aspect by calling the program instructions.

[0040] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that cause the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0041] Fifthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer program product, the computer program product including a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in the first aspect.

[0042] In this embodiment of the invention, after obtaining the actual paper feeding time of the current paper, the paper pitch correction value is calculated based on the difference between the actual paper feeding time and the theoretical paper feeding time, and the paper pitch of the next paper is corrected based on the correction value, thereby improving the PPM of the image forming apparatus while avoiding paper jams. Attached Figure Description

[0043] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0044] Figure 1 A flowchart of a paper spacing adjustment method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of paper feeding provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of paper feeding slippage provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 This invention provides an embodiment of a continuous / re-feed paper feed.

[0048] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of paper spacing provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 6 A flowchart of another paper spacing adjustment method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0052] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0054] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0055] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a paper spacing adjustment method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0057] Step 101: Determine the theoretical feed time and actual feed time of the first sheet.

[0058] The actual paper feed time is the actual time it takes for the image forming apparatus to transport paper from the paper tray into the image forming apparatus. The theoretical paper feed time is the theoretical time calculated based on the distance of the paper feed path from the paper tray to the image forming apparatus and the transport speed of the paper by the paper feed element.

[0059] A paper feed sensor can be placed between the paper tray and the imaging unit of the image forming apparatus to sense the paper's movement. The actual paper feed time can then be determined based on the time it takes for the beginning of the paper to reach the paper feed sensor. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a paper feeding method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the paper tray 201 contains several sheets of paper, and the paper feed element 202 is in direct contact with the top sheet of paper in the paper tray 201. When the paper feed element 202 rotates counterclockwise, it transports the paper in the paper tray 201 to the imaging unit 204. A paper feed sensor 203 is provided on the paper feed path between the paper tray 201 and the imaging unit 204. The actual paper feed time is the time taken from when the paper feed element 202 starts rotating until the end of the paper reaches the paper feed sensor 203. When calculating the actual paper feed time, the first moment when the paper feed element 202 starts transporting the first sheet can be determined, followed by the second moment when the end of the first sheet reaches the paper feed sensor 203. Finally, the actual paper feed time of the first sheet can be determined based on the first and second moments.

[0060] Specifically, when feeding the first sheet of paper into the paper tray 201 begins, the paper feed element 202 starts rotating counterclockwise to feed the paper and simultaneously begins timing. The first sheet of paper is transported to the imaging unit 204 by the paper feed element 202. Taking the paper feed sensor 203 as a photoelectric sensor as an example, before the end of the first sheet reaches the paper feed sensor 203, the photosensitive element in the paper feed sensor 203 can receive ambient light, and is in a photosensitive state. When the end of the first sheet reaches the paper feed sensor 203, the paper feed sensor 203 is covered by the end of the first sheet. At this time, the photosensitive element in the paper feed sensor 203 cannot receive ambient light, changing from a photosensitive state to a non-photosensitive state. Timing stops at this point, and the actual feeding time of the first sheet is obtained.

[0061] For example, if the paper feed sensor 203 is implemented as an infrared sensor, it specifically includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter emits infrared light, which is reflected when it hits the object being measured. The receiver receives the reflected infrared light to measure the distance between the object and the paper feed sensor 203. When the tip of the first sheet reaches the transmitter of the paper feed sensor 203, the infrared light emitted by the transmitter is reflected by the tip of the first sheet and enters the receiver. The receiver detects a decrease in the distance to the object based on the received reflected infrared light, thus determining that the tip of the first sheet has reached the paper feed sensor 203 and stopping the timing.

[0062] In some embodiments, when calculating the theoretical paper feed time, the theoretical paper feed speed of the image forming apparatus and the paper feed distance between the paper tray and the paper feed sensor of the image forming apparatus can be determined first. The theoretical paper feed speed of the image forming apparatus can be determined based on... Figure 2 The rotational speed of the paper feed element 202 shown is determined. The paper feed distance is... Figure 2 The distance from the edge of the paper tray 201 near the paper feed element 202 to the paper feed sensor 203 is shown. The theoretical paper feed time is then obtained based on the theoretical paper feed speed and the paper feed distance. That is, theoretical paper feed time = paper feed distance / theoretical paper feed speed.

[0063] Step 102: Determine the paper feed time deviation of the first paper based on the first difference between the actual paper feed time and the theoretical paper feed time.

[0064] The paper feed time deviation is the difference between the actual paper feed time and the theoretical paper feed time. It can be determined by subtracting the theoretical paper feed time from the actual paper feed time. For example, when the actual paper feed time is 3 seconds and the theoretical paper feed time is 2 seconds, the first difference is 3-2=1 second, and this 1 second is the paper feed time deviation.

[0065] When the actual paper feeding time is greater than the theoretical paper feeding time, the first difference is positive, indicating that the first sheet of paper has slipped, resulting in a larger paper gap between the first sheet and the previous sheet. Paper slippage specifically refers to the situation where, during the paper feeding process, the paper cannot smoothly enter the image forming apparatus from the paper tray, or stops moving forward shortly after entering, or even slips at the paper inlet. When the actual paper feeding time is less than the theoretical paper feeding time, the first difference is negative, indicating that due to poor paper separation, the image forming apparatus prematurely pulls a portion of the first sheet out of the paper tray when feeding the sheet preceding it, thus reducing the paper gap between the first sheet and the previous sheet.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating paper feeding slippage according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, after the paper feed element 202 finishes feeding paper 205, it continues to feed the next piece of paper 206 in the paper tray 201. During the feeding of paper 206, the paper feed element 202 slips, and the actual feeding time of paper 206 is longer than the theoretical feeding time. The gap between papers 205 and 206 becomes larger.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a continuous / re-feed paper feed according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the paper feed element 202 is conveying paper 205, but due to poor paper separation, the paper feed element 202 carries a portion of the next paper 206 out of the paper tray 201 during the conveying process of paper 205. At this time, paper 206 is outside the paper tray 201. Therefore, before the paper feed element 202 feeds paper 206, a portion of paper 206 is no longer in the paper tray 201. At this time, the distance between the paper head of paper 206 and the paper feed sensor 203 becomes smaller. When paper 206 is fed later, because the distance between the paper head of paper 206 and the paper feed sensor 203 is smaller, the time for the paper head of paper 206 to reach the paper feed sensor 203 is shorter, even if the rotation speed of the paper feed element 202 remains constant. Consequently, the actual paper feeding time of paper 206 is less than the theoretical paper feeding time, resulting in a smaller paper spacing between paper 205 and paper 206. If the distance between paper 205 and paper 206 is too small, the end of paper 205 will just pass the paper feed sensor 203 while the beginning of paper 206 has already reached the paper feed sensor 203. Because the distance between the end of paper 205 and the beginning of paper 206 is too short, the paper feed sensor 203 cannot detect the change in the light-sensitive state, resulting in a paper jam.

[0068] Step 103: Determine the paper spacing correction value between the first and second sheets based on the paper feed time deviation. The second sheet is the sheet immediately following the first sheet.

[0069] Since the unit of paper pitch is length and the unit of paper feed time deviation is time, the unit of paper feed time deviation needs to be converted from time to length when calculating the paper pitch correction value. Specifically, the first distance can be calculated based on the paper feed time deviation and the theoretical paper feed speed of the image forming apparatus. This first distance is the deviation value of paper pitch caused by paper slippage or continuous paper feeding, specifically the deviation of the paper pitch between the first sheet and the sheet preceding it. Therefore, the paper pitch between the first sheet and the subsequent second sheet needs to be adjusted. Thus, the first distance can be determined as the paper pitch correction value between the first sheet and the second sheet. For example, during the printing process, the paper feed element transports three sheets of paper, P1, P2, and P3, from the paper tray to the imaging unit in sequence. After the paper feed element transports sheet P1, it begins transporting sheet P2, and the paper feed time deviation is calculated based on the actual paper feed time and the theoretical paper feed time of sheet P2. The first distance is then calculated based on the paper feed time deviation and the theoretical paper feed speed of the image forming apparatus. Finally, the paper spacing correction value is obtained based on the first distance, and the paper spacing between paper P2 and paper P3 is corrected based on the paper spacing correction value.

[0070] Step 104: Adjust the paper spacing between the first and second sheets according to the paper spacing correction value.

[0071] The paper spacing between the first and second sheets comprises two parts. The first part is the distance between the first and second sheets, and the second part is the length of the first sheet within the paper tray when the end of the first sheet reaches the paper feed sensor. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of paper spacing provided for an embodiment of the present invention. For example... Figure 5As shown, when the beginning of paper 205 reaches the paper feed sensor 203, a portion of paper 205 is outside the paper tray 201, while a portion remains inside. When the beginning of paper 205 reaches the paper feed sensor 203, the paper feed element 202 feeds the next sheet of paper 205 after the length of paper 205 in the paper tray 201 plus the distance between two sheets. For example, if the length of paper 205 is 29.7cm, and the distance between the edge of the paper tray 201 near the paper feed element 202 and the paper feed sensor 203 is 5cm, and the distance between two sheets is 2cm, then when the beginning of paper 205 reaches the paper feed sensor 203, 5cm of paper 205 is outside the paper tray 201, and 24.7cm is still inside. Therefore, the theoretical paper spacing between paper 205 and the next sheet is 24.7cm + 2cm = 26.7cm. When the paper head of paper 205 reaches the paper feed sensor 203, it travels another 26.7cm before starting to feed the next paper, thus making the interval between paper 205 and the next paper 2cm.

[0072] Therefore, when adjusting the paper spacing between the first and second sheets based on the paper spacing correction value, it is necessary to first obtain the first size information of the first sheet. Then, based on the first size information, the theoretical paper spacing between the first and second sheets is obtained. This theoretical paper spacing is the length of the first sheet still in the paper tray when the end of the first sheet reaches the paper feed sensor, plus the distance between the first and second sheets. Then, based on the theoretical paper spacing and the paper spacing correction value, the first paper spacing is obtained, which is used as the paper spacing between the first and second sheets. The first paper spacing can be calculated using formula (1).

[0073] Formula (1):

[0074] L = Ltheory - Lsupplement

[0075] Wherein, L is the first paper spacing after correction, Lli is the theoretical paper spacing, and Lbu is the paper spacing correction value.

[0076] Lcomplement can be calculated using formula (2).

[0077] Formula (2):

[0078] Lcomplement = △t * V

[0079] Where △t is the paper feed time deviation and V is the theoretical paper feed speed of the image forming device.

[0080] △t can be calculated using formula (3).

[0081] Formula (3):

[0082] △t=t1-t

[0083] Where t1 is the actual paper feeding time and t is the theoretical paper feeding time.

[0084] In some embodiments, when controlling the paper spacing between the first and second sheets based on the corrected first paper spacing, the feeding time of the second sheet is often controlled. That is, the second sheet is fed after a certain time elapsed since the tip of the first sheet reaches the paper feed sensor. Therefore, it is necessary to convert the calculated first paper spacing from a unit of length to a unit of time. Thus, a first time elapsed can be calculated based on the theoretical paper feed speed of the image forming apparatus and the first paper spacing. The first time elapsed is the time required to transport the length of the first paper spacing at the theoretical paper feed speed. Therefore, the feeding time of the second sheet can begin after the first time elapsed since the tip of the first sheet reaches the paper feed sensor.

[0085] During implementation, the paper spacing of an image forming apparatus with poor paper feeding performance will be increased, and the Δt calculated by formula (3) will be a positive number. The paper spacing of an image forming apparatus with poor paper feeding separation will be decreased, and the Δt calculated by formula (3) will be a negative number. The L_complement calculated in formula (2) is the paper spacing deviation between the current paper and the preceding paper. Therefore, when the next paper is transported, this L_complement is added to compensate. In this way, the L_complement generated by each sheet of paper during feeding within one minute is compensated one by one, so as to achieve the target and stability of the PPM of the image forming apparatus. For image forming apparatuses with high continuous feed rate, since Δt is a negative number, the actual paper spacing L after compensation will be larger than the original theoretical paper spacing L, which will separate the two sheets of paper that may have been connected and caused paper jams, and avoid continuous paper jams.

[0086] In some embodiments, the present invention uses the expansion or contraction of the actual paper spacing of the previous page to compensate for the gap between the next page and the paper spacing. Therefore, there is a certain lag in the implementation process. When a certain page takes too long to feed due to severe slippage, the paper tip only reaches the paper feed sensor. At this time, the paper feed time deviation Δt will be large. If the paper feed time deviation Δt is used directly to compensate for the gap between the next page, the actual paper spacing L calculated according to formula (1) will be small, which may cause paper jams similar to continuous feeding. Therefore, by setting a first threshold to constrain the paper spacing compensation value, when the first distance (i.e., the paper spacing compensation value) is greater than the first threshold, the gap between the next page is forced to be compensated according to the first threshold. That is, when the first distance is greater than the first threshold, the first threshold is used as the paper spacing compensation value. When the first distance is less than or equal to the first threshold, the first distance is used as the paper spacing compensation value. This ensures that the PPM of the image forming apparatus is increased as much as possible without paper jams. The specific value of the first threshold can be determined according to factors such as the paper feeding performance of the image forming apparatus and the characteristics of the paper feed sensor.

[0087] In a specific example, based on the above embodiments, this embodiment of the invention provides another method for adjusting paper spacing. Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another paper spacing adjustment method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0088] Step 601, printing begins.

[0089] The image forming apparatus begins printing in response to the received print job.

[0090] Step 602: Start paper feeding and start timing simultaneously with activating the paper feeding element.

[0091] The paper feeding element can be implemented as a paper feeding roller, and the image forming apparatus transports the paper in the paper tray to the imaging unit by controlling the rotation of the paper feeding roller.

[0092] Step 603: After the paper feed sensor changes from a photosensitive state to a non-photosensitive state, the timing stops, and the actual paper feed time is obtained. At the same time, the paper spacing timing starts, and the timing duration is Lreasonable / Vcomplement / Vfeed.

[0093] Among them, the timing duration: Lli / Vbu / V is derived from formula (4).

[0094] Formula (4):

[0095] L / V

[0096] Formula (4) is used to calculate the timing duration.

[0097] Substitute the formula (1) L = L_theory - L_compensation into formula (4), and we can get (L_theory - L_compensation) / V. Further expansion gives the timing duration = L_theory / V - L_compensation / V.

[0098] Among them, when the paper feed sensor changes from the photosensitive state to the non - photosensitive state, it indicates that the leading edge of the paper reaches the paper feed sensor. The purpose of starting the paper interval timing is to calculate the paper feed time of the next page of paper.

[0099] Step 604, calculate the first distance according to the actual paper feed time and the theoretical paper feed time.

[0100] Among them, first obtain the paper feed time deviation based on the actual paper feed time and the theoretical paper feed time, and then calculate the first distance according to the paper feed time deviation and the theoretical paper feed speed.

[0101] Step 605, determine whether the first distance is greater than the first threshold. If yes, execute step 606; if not, execute step 607.

[0102] Step 606, the value of the paper interval compensation value is the first threshold.

[0103] Step 607, the value of the paper interval compensation value is the first distance.

[0104] Step 608, the paper interval timing ends.

[0105] When the paper interval timing ends, the paper feed for the next sheet of paper can start.

[0106] Step 609, determine whether there is a next page of paper. If yes, execute step 602; if not, execute step 610.

[0107] Step 610, the printing ends.

[0108] By employing the aforementioned paper pitch adjustment method, the actual paper pitch of the image forming apparatus during continuous printing of multiple pages is made close to the theoretical paper pitch, thereby ensuring the compliance and stability of the PPM parameter. For example, when feeding seven pages (P1 to P7) in the following order: P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, the actual feeding time deviations for each page (P1 to P7) can be obtained based on their respective feeding times: Δt1, Δt2, Δt3, Δt4, Δt5, Δt6, Δt7. The corrected paper pitch between P1 and P2, calculated as Ltheoretical - Δt1 × V, between P2 and P3 as Ltheoretical - Δt2 × V, between P3 and P4 as Ltheoretical - Δt3 × V, and between P4 and P5 as Ltheoretical - Δt4 × V. The corrected paper spacing between P5 and P6, calculated as Lli - Δt5 × V, and the corrected paper spacing between P6 and P7, calculated as Lli - Δt6 × V, are also calculated.

[0109] The actual paper spacings of the seven sheets of paper (P1 to P7) after the image forming apparatus controls the paper spacing based on the corrected paper spacing are as follows: The actual paper spacing between P1 and P2 is Ltheoretical - Δt1 × V + V * Δt2. The actual paper spacing between P2 and P3 is Ltheoretical - Δt2 × V + V * Δt3. The actual paper spacing between P3 and P4 is Ltheoretical - Δt3 × V + V * Δt4. The actual paper spacing between P4 and P5 is Ltheoretical - Δt4 × V + V * Δt5. The actual paper spacing between P5 and P6 is Ltheoretical - Δt5 × V + V * Δt6. The actual paper spacing between P6 and P7 is Ltheoretical - Δt6 × V + V * Δt7.

[0110] From the above, the actual total paper pitch length for printing 7 pages is: 6*Ltheoretical - V*△t1 + V*△t7. This value is very close to the theoretical total paper pitch of 6×Ltheoretical for printing 7 pages. That is, when printing n+1 pages, the actual paper pitch is n*Ltheoretical - V*△t1 + V*△t(n+1), which is very close to the theoretical total paper pitch length n*Ltheoretical. This proves that the paper pitch adjustment method provided in this embodiment can maximize the PPM parameter of the image forming apparatus while avoiding paper jams and ensuring that the PPM parameter meets the standard.

[0111] Corresponding to the above-described paper spacing adjustment method, this embodiment of the invention provides an image forming apparatus. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, the image forming apparatus includes: a paper feed time determination module 701, a deviation determination module 702, a paper pitch correction value determination module 703, and a paper pitch adjustment module 704.

[0112] The paper feed time determination module 701 is used to determine the theoretical paper feed time and the actual paper feed time of the first paper.

[0113] The deviation determination module 702 is used to determine the paper feed time deviation of the first paper based on the first difference between the actual paper feed time and the theoretical paper feed time.

[0114] The paper spacing correction value determination module 703 is used to determine the paper spacing correction value between the first paper and the second paper based on the paper feed time deviation. The second paper is the next paper adjacent to the first paper.

[0115] The paper spacing adjustment module 704 is used to adjust the paper spacing between the first paper and the second paper according to the paper spacing correction value.

[0116] Figure 7 The image forming apparatus provided in the illustrated embodiment can be used to execute this specification. Figures 1-6 The implementation principle and technical effects of the method embodiment shown can be further referred to the relevant description in the method embodiment.

[0117] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the aforementioned electronic device may include at least one processor and at least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein the memory stores program instructions executable by the processor, and the processor can execute this specification by calling the program instructions. Figure 1-6 The paper spacing adjustment method provided in the illustrated embodiment.

[0118] like Figure 8 As shown, the electronic device is represented in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of the electronic device may include, but are not limited to: one or more processors 810, communication interface 820 and memory 830, and a communication bus 840 connecting different system components (including memory 830, communication interface 820 and processor 810).

[0119] The communication bus 840 represents one or more of several bus architectures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a graphics acceleration port, a processor, or a local bus using any of the various bus architectures. For example, these architectures include, but are not limited to, the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, the Micro Channel Architecture (MAC) bus, the Enhanced ISA bus, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0120] Electronic devices typically include a variety of computer-readable media. These media can be any available media that can be accessed by the electronic device, including volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and non-removable media.

[0121] Memory 830 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The electronic device may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. Memory 830 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of the embodiments described herein.

[0122] A program / utility having a set (at least one) of program modules may be stored in memory 830. Such program modules include—but are not limited to—an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment. The program modules typically perform the functions and / or methods described in the embodiments of this specification.

[0123] Processor 810 executes various functional applications and data processing by running programs stored in memory 830, such as implementing the functions described in this specification. Figure 1-6 The paper spacing adjustment method provided in the illustrated embodiment.

[0124] This specification provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the functions described in this specification. Figure 1-6 The paper spacing adjustment method provided in the illustrated embodiment.

[0125] This specification provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that cause a computer to execute this specification. Figure 1-6 The paper spacing adjustment method provided in the illustrated embodiment.

[0126] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more computer-readable media. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or flash memory, optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that may be used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0127] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of this specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are possible or may be advantageous.

[0128] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this specification. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0129] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this specification, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0130] Any process or method described in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of this specification includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of this specification pertain.

[0131] Depending on the context, the word "if" as used here can be interpreted as "when," "when," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determination" or "if detection (of the stated condition or event)" can be interpreted as "when determination," "in response to determination," "when detection (of the stated condition or event)," or "in response to detection (of the stated condition or event)."

[0132] It should be noted that the devices involved in the embodiments of this specification may include, but are not limited to, personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless handheld devices, tablet computers, mobile phones, MP3 displays, MP4 displays, etc.

[0133] In the several embodiments provided in this specification, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0134] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this specification can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software functional units.

[0135] The integrated units implemented as software functional units described above can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These software functional units, stored in a storage medium, include several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a connector, or a network device, etc.) or processor to execute some steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this specification. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0136] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this specification should be included within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0137] The same or similar parts between the various embodiments in this specification can be referred to mutually. In particular, the device embodiments and terminal embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description in the method embodiments.

Claims

1. A paper spacing adjustment method characterized by, The application is applied to an image forming device, comprising: determining a theoretical paper feeding time and an actual paper feeding time of a first paper sheet; determining a paper feeding time deviation of the first paper sheet according to a first difference between the actual paper feeding time and the theoretical paper feeding time; determining a paper spacing correction value between the first paper sheet and a second paper sheet according to the paper feeding time deviation, wherein the second paper sheet is a next paper sheet adjacent to the first paper sheet; adjusting a paper spacing between the first paper sheet and the second paper sheet according to the paper spacing correction value; the determining of the paper spacing correction value between the first paper sheet and the second paper sheet according to the paper feeding time deviation comprises: determining a first distance according to the paper feeding time deviation and a theoretical paper feeding speed of the image forming device; determining the first distance as the paper spacing correction value between the first paper sheet and the second paper sheet; before the determining of the first distance as the paper spacing correction value, the method further comprises: judging whether the first distance is greater than a first threshold value; if the first distance is less than or equal to the first threshold value, determining the first distance as the paper spacing correction value; if the first distance is greater than the first threshold value, determining the first threshold value as the paper spacing correction value.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, the image forming device is provided with a paper feeding element and a paper feeding sensor, and the determining of the actual paper feeding time of the first paper sheet comprises: determining a first time point at which the paper feeding element starts to transport the first paper sheet; determining a second time point at which a paper head of the first paper sheet reaches the paper feeding sensor; determining the actual paper feeding time of the first paper sheet according to the first time point and the second time point.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, the determining of the theoretical paper feeding time of the first paper sheet comprises: determining a theoretical paper feeding speed of the image forming device and a paper feeding distance between a paper cassette of the image forming device and the paper feeding sensor; obtaining the theoretical paper feeding time according to the theoretical paper feeding speed and the paper feeding distance.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, the adjusting of the paper spacing between the first paper sheet and the second paper sheet according to the paper spacing correction value comprises: obtaining first size information of the first paper sheet; obtaining a theoretical paper spacing between the first paper sheet and the second paper sheet based on the first size information; obtaining a first paper spacing according to the theoretical paper spacing and the paper spacing correction value; determining the first paper spacing as the paper spacing between the first paper sheet and the second paper sheet.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, the image forming device is provided with a paper feeding sensor, and the determining of the first paper spacing as the paper spacing between the first paper sheet and the second paper sheet comprises: determining a first time length according to the first paper spacing and a theoretical paper feeding speed of the image forming device; starting to feed the second paper sheet after the first time length at which the paper head of the first paper sheet reaches the paper feeding sensor.

6. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: comprising: a paper feeding time determining module, configured to determine a theoretical paper feeding time and an actual paper feeding time of a first paper sheet; a deviation determining module, configured to determine a paper feeding time deviation of the first paper sheet according to a first difference between the actual paper feeding time and the theoretical paper feeding time; a paper distance correction value determination module, configured to determine a paper distance correction value between the first paper sheet and a second paper sheet according to the paper feeding time deviation, wherein the second paper sheet is a next paper sheet adjacent to the first paper sheet; a paper distance adjustment module, configured to adjust a paper distance between the first paper sheet and the second paper sheet according to the paper distance correction value; the paper distance correction value determination module is specifically configured to determine a first distance according to the paper feeding time deviation and a theoretical paper feeding speed of the image forming apparatus, and determine the first distance as the paper distance correction value between the first paper sheet and the second paper sheet; before the first distance is determined as the paper distance correction value, the paper distance correction value determination module is further configured to determine whether the first distance is greater than a first threshold value, and if the first distance is less than or equal to the first threshold value, determine the first distance as the paper distance correction value, and if the first distance is greater than the first threshold value, determine the first threshold value as the paper distance correction value. 7.An electronic device, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory connected with the processor, wherein: the memory stores program instructions executable by the processor, and the processor invoking the program instructions can execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, the computer readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and the computer instructions make the computer execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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