Duplex Printing Control via Communication Speed Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In duplex printing, if the communication speed of print data is low, the time required for the image forming apparatus to receive and prepare for printing can exceed the printing time of individual units, leading to temporary suspension of the printing operation and increased defective sheets due to sheet jams.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that determines a smaller value for N, the number of sheets to be printed on first sides, based on lower communication speeds to prevent temporary suspension and control the printing process efficiently, while allowing more sheets to be printed on second sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of sheets N printed on first sides is increased to improve printing speed, then productivity increases, but the printing operation may be temporarily suspended when communication speed is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of sheets N based on the measured communication speed. When communication speed is high, a larger N is used to increase productivity. When communication speed is low, a smaller N is used to prevent printing suspension. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining high productivity and ensuring continuous operation under varying communication conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter N (number of sheets to print on first sides) based on communication speed measurements. By adjusting this key parameter according to actual communication conditions, the system optimizes the balance between printing speed and operational continuity, preventing both suspension and excessive sheet accumulation.
2Productivity
If the number of sheets N printed on first sides is increased to improve printing speed, then productivity increases, but the number of defective sheets increases due to sheet jams
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts N based on communication speed to prevent sheet accumulation that leads to jams. By keeping the number of sheets in the apparatus at an appropriate level, the patent reduces sheet jam incidents and maintains print quality while still achieving high productivity when communication conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the parameter N according to communication speed measurements. When communication speed is low, a smaller N reduces the number of sheets staying in the apparatus, thereby reducing sheet jam risks and maintaining manufacturing precision. When communication speed is high, a larger N maximizes productivity without compromising quality.
3Loss of time
If the communication speed is low, then the time required for receiving print data and completing printing preparation increases, but increasing N can compensate by printing more sheets in parallel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically determines N based on the measured communication speed. When communication speed is low, a smaller N is selected to match the slower data reception rate, avoiding printing suspension. When communication speed is high, a larger N is selected to maximize productivity. This dynamic adjustment optimizes overall printing efficiency by adapting to actual communication conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus and a driver for the image forming apparatus are provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a first communication section configured to receive print data; a printing section configured to perform a duplex printing including printing N sheets on first sides thereof and subsequently printing M sheets on second sides thereof, wherein M is equal to or smaller than N; a setting section configured to set the value of N; and a control section configured to control the printing section to perform the duplex printing in accordance with the value of N set by the setting section. The value of N may be set based on a communication speed of the print data when acquired by the acquisition section.