Duplex Printing N-Value Adjustment for Data Preparation Delays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duplex printing technologies face issues with temporary suspension of printing operations due to varying preparation times for print data generation, leading to inefficiencies and increased defective print sheets from sheet jams, as the generation of print data for subsequent 'one printing process units' may not be completed before the completion of previous units, especially when printing multiple pages on one sheet or reading both sides.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a determination section that calculates preparation time based on copy settings to determine the optimal value of N for duplex printing, where N is the number of sheets printed on the first sides, and a control section that adjusts the printing process to minimize temporary suspensions by setting N to a smaller value when preparation times are longer, ensuring efficient duplex printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of sheets N to be successively printed on first sides is increased to improve printing speed, then the productivity is improved, but the printing operation may be temporarily suspended due to incomplete print data generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the value of N (number of sheets to be successively printed on first sides) based on the preparation time required for print data generation. The determination section calculates preparation time and selects an appropriate N value, making the system adaptive rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by allowing N to vary according to actual data generation speed, maintaining operational continuity while optimizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the determination section continuously monitors the preparation time for print data generation and adjusts N accordingly. When preparation time is long, N is reduced to prevent suspension; when preparation time is short, N can be increased to improve speed. This closed-loop control ensures the printing operation maintains optimal productivity without temporary suspensions.
2Productivity
If the number of sheets N to be successively printed on first sides is increased to improve printing speed, then the productivity is improved, but the number of defective print sheets increases due to sheet jams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes N a dynamic parameter that adjusts based on preparation time calculations. By reducing N when preparation time is long, the system prevents excessive sheets from staying in the apparatus, thereby reducing the risk of sheet jams and defective print sheets while maintaining optimal printing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter N based on the preparation time of print data generation. The determination section calculates preparation time and selects an appropriate N value, transforming N from a fixed parameter to a variable one that adapts to different printing conditions, thus minimizing sheet jams while maintaining productivity.
3Productivity
If the value of N is increased to print more sheets on first sides, then the printing speed is improved, but the memory usage increases and sheet jams occur more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts N based on preparation time to optimize the balance between productivity and resource usage. By calculating the required preparation time and selecting an appropriate N value, the system maintains an optimal number of sheets in the apparatus, preventing excessive memory usage and sheet accumulation that lead to jams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes N as a variable parameter determined by preparation time calculations. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize the quantity of sheets processed at once, preventing excessive sheet accumulation in the apparatus while maintaining high printing speed efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a reading section configured to read an original document, a printing section configured to perform duplex printing including printing N sheets on first sides thereof and subsequently printing M sheets on second sides thereof when printing an image of the original document read by the reading section, wherein M is equal to or smaller than N, a determination section configured to calculate a preparation time required to generate print data based on a copy setting which affects the preparation time, and configured to determine the value of N, wherein the determination section determines a smaller value as the value of N, as the preparation time is longer, and a control section configured to control the printing section to perform the duplex printing in accordance with the value of N determined by the determination section.