Dynamic Print Queue Capacity Adjustment for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses have a fixed maximum number of storable pages based on the length of the conveyance path, leading to increased suspension of print jobs due to cancellation of non-currently executed print jobs, especially when extension devices are not connected.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a print queue, job writing unit, connected-state detection unit, and maximum-number-of-storable-pages changing unit that dynamically adjusts the maximum number of storable pages based on the connected state of extension devices affecting the conveyance path, optimizing storage capacity and reducing print suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the maximum number of storable pages is increased, then the printing capability is improved, but the likelihood of print suspension due to cancellation of non-currently executed print jobs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the maximum number of storable pages adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes this parameter based on the actual conveyance path length, allowing optimization between printing capability and print suspension likelihood under different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of maximum number of storable pages based on the detected conveyance path length. By detecting the actual physical length of the conveyance path and adjusting the parameter accordingly, the system resolves the contradiction between having enough pages for high productivity and limiting pages to reduce suspension likelihood.
2Productivity
If the maximum number of storable pages is fixed based on the maximum conveyance path length, then the printing capability is ensured, but the storage capacity becomes too large when extension devices are not connected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the maximum number of storable pages based on the actual connected extension devices and conveyance path length. When extension devices are not connected, the system reduces the storage capacity parameter, avoiding waste while ensuring adequate capacity when devices are connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the maximum number of storable pages according to the detected connected state of extension devices. This allows the storage capacity to adapt to actual usage conditions, reducing unnecessary capacity when devices are not connected while maintaining sufficient capacity when they are.
3Reliability
If the maximum number of storable pages is reduced, then the print suspension likelihood is decreased, but the printing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the maximum number of storable pages based on real-time detection of extension device connectivity and conveyance path length. This allows the system to reduce the parameter when devices are not connected (reducing suspension likelihood) while increasing it when devices are connected (maintaining printing capability).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by detecting the actual conveyance path length through extension device connectivity status and using this feedback to adjust the maximum number of storable pages. This closed-loop approach ensures the parameter is optimized based on actual system configuration, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a print queue, a job writing unit, a print execution unit, a connected-state detection unit, and a maximum-number-of-storable-pages changing unit. The print queue stores print jobs on a page basis. The job writing unit writes the print jobs into the print queue. The print execution unit executes print on a recording medium based on a page from the print queue, and suspends execution of the print in a case in which a print job other than a print job of currently executed printing is cancelled. The connected-state detection unit detects a connected state of extension devices affecting a length of a conveyance path of the recording medium. The maximum-number-of-storable-pages changing unit changes a maximum number of storable pages, that can be stored in the print queue, and changes the maximum number of storable pages, based on the connected state detected.