Dynamic Print Mode Switching During Imaging Jobs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices are cumbersome and time-consuming when switching between print modes, leading to waste of ink/toner and media sheets, as users often forget to change default settings, and the process of canceling print jobs is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to change print modes during printing by receiving a change-mode command, enabling the imaging device to switch from one print mode to another without canceling the ongoing print job, thus avoiding unnecessary waste and reducing the time required for mode changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the user cancels the ongoing print job to change print mode, then the print mode can be changed, but the printing process is interrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by preparing the second print mode settings and validating the change request before the current print job completes. The processing unit queues the mode change command and applies it immediately upon job completion, avoiding interruption while ensuring the new mode is ready to execute.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic print mode switching by allowing the print mode to change from static (fixed at job start) to dynamic (changeable during job execution). The processing unit monitors job progress and applies mode changes at optimal transition points without interrupting the printing flow.
2Manufacturing precision
If the user sets the default print mode to rich print mode for high quality, then print quality is improved, but ink/toner consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between rich print mode (high quality, high consumption) and draft print mode (low quality, low consumption) during the printing process. Users can change modes based on real-time needs, transitioning from high-quality mode for important pages to economy mode for less critical content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes print parameters (resolution, ink density, processing speed) based on the selected print mode. When switching from rich to draft mode, parameters are adjusted to reduce ink/toner consumption while maintaining adequate print quality for the remaining pages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the user changes print mode during printing, then flexibility is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit implements feedback mechanisms to monitor print job progress, track remaining pages, and determine optimal points for mode switching. The system provides status information to the user interface and automatically manages the transition process, reducing the perceived complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit acts as an intermediary between the user interface and the printing subsystem. It receives mode change commands, validates them, queues them appropriately, and coordinates the transition without requiring direct user intervention in the complex printing control processes.
4Reliability
If the conventional printing system requires job cancellation for mode changes, then system reliability is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation and preparation of mode change commands before the current job completes. This ensures system reliability by checking command validity and preparing transition parameters in advance, while maintaining productivity by applying changes immediately upon job completion without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing process maintains continuity by allowing mode changes to be applied at natural transition points (between pages or at job completion) without interrupting the overall printing flow. The useful action of printing continues uninterrupted while the system configuration adapts dynamically.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient printing with minimal ink/toner and media waste by allowing seamless switching between print modes during the printing process, reducing delays and productivity loss associated with conventional techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of nozzles may be 'fired' by means of activation resistors, such that a corresponding activation resistor of the each nozzle heats the ink in the corresponding bubble chamber of the each nozzle
Implementation Method 2
The ink heats up to form an ink bubble in the bubble chamber. The ink bubble is expelled out of the nozzle on to the media sheet
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for performing printing on a plurality of media sheets in an imaging device. The method includes receiving a change-mode command while printing on a media sheet of the plurality of media sheets. Specifically, the printing is being performed by utilizing a first print mode. Also, the change-mode command comprises a request for changing the first print mode to a second print mode. The method further includes performing printing on subsequent media sheets of the plurality of media sheets by utilizing the second print mode. The imaging device for performing printing on the plurality of media sheets is also described.