Duplex Page Order Control in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face challenges in correctly arranging page order during duplex printing, leading to manual sorting complexities and increased waiting times due to paper wastage when malfunctions occur, especially when the host's memory resources are insufficient or when a page order control protocol is not established effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a communication interface, storage unit, page order determining unit, and image sending unit that determines the page order based on received data, orientation, and duplex printing instructions, allowing for automatic reordering and re-printing of pages during interruptions, thus eliminating the need for manual sorting and reducing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the host stores all page data in buffer cache to control page order for duplex printing, then correct page order is achieved, but memory resources are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the page order control function from the host system and transfers it to the image forming apparatus. The host only sends page data without pre-arranging the complete page sequence, while the image forming apparatus autonomously determines and implements the correct page order based on duplex printing requirements, thereby releasing host memory resources while maintaining accurate page ordering
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming apparatus performs preliminary analysis of the total page count and duplex printing requirements before actual printing begins. By pre-calculating the page sequence needed for correct duplex output and preparing the printing plan in advance, the system ensures accurate page ordering without requiring the host to store all pages in memory simultaneously
2Manufacturing precision
If manual sorting is required for correct page order, then page arrangement accuracy is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus performs self-service by automatically determining and implementing the correct page order for duplex printing without user intervention. The system autonomously calculates the required page sequence based on total page count and duplex requirements, then executes the printing in the correct order, eliminating manual sorting operations entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the image forming apparatus receives information about total page count and duplex printing requirements, processes this information to determine the optimal page sequence, and adjusts the printing order accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures correct page arrangement while maintaining simple user operations
3Device complexity
If the image forming apparatus determines page order autonomously, then system complexity is reduced, but page order accuracy may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus performs preliminary calculations to determine the total page count and required page sequence before beginning duplex printing. By pre-establishing the correct page order based on duplex printing rules and total page information, the system ensures accurate page arrangement while maintaining autonomous operation without complex host-side control
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the page printing sequence based on the determined total page count and duplex printing requirements. The image forming apparatus flexibly organizes pages in the correct order for duplex output, adapting the printing sequence to match the specific document characteristics while maintaining autonomous control and simplicity
4Reliability
If all page data is re-sent from the beginning after interruption, then data completeness is ensured, but time loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus performs preliminary organization of page data in the correct duplex printing sequence before actual printing begins. When an interruption occurs, the system can resume from the interrupted page without re-sending previous pages, because the page sequence was pre-established and pages were printed in the correct order from the beginning
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by printing pages in the correct duplex sequence from the start rather than using traditional sequential printing that requires re-printing upon interruption. This approach allows the printing process to continue more smoothly after interruptions, reducing time loss while ensuring data completeness
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an image forming system and apparatus and the method for control and troubleshooting. Wherein the image forming apparatus comprises a communication interface unit for communicating with external equipment; a storage unit for storing page data information, wherein said page data information includes page data for image-forming processing; a page order determining unit to determine the image-forming processing order of said page data, i.e., image paging order; an image-forming unit that performs the image-forming processing; and an image sending unit that sends said page data stored in said storage unit to said image-forming unit according to the image paging order determined by said page order determining unit. The present invention is capable of saving the memory resources of the host connected with the image forming apparatus, reducing the purchase cost of the host and achieving a more energy saving and environmentally friendly printing process.