Dynamic Roll-Paper Rewinding for Precise Print Resumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming technologies on roll paper often perform unnecessary reverse rotation conveyance during printing stops, leading to wasteful operations and improper resumption of printing due to fixed and unsuitable rewinding distances.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control method that dynamically adjusts rewinding based on printing conditions, including detection of splice tapes and specific printing requirements, to resume printing from an optimal position, reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reverse rotation conveyance is always performed after printing stop, then the roll paper can be realigned for next printing, but wasteful operations are performed when reverse rotation is unnecessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reverse rotation conveyance adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically determines whether to perform reverse rotation based on the stopping reason (job completion vs. suspension), and adjusts the rotation amount based on paper feed amount and acceleration/deceleration distances. This resolves the contradiction by enabling alignment when needed while avoiding wasteful operations when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of reverse rotation amount from a fixed value to a variable that depends on printing conditions. The control unit calculates the appropriate reverse rotation amount based on the paper feed amount during stopping and the acceleration/deceleration distances, allowing optimization of both alignment accuracy and energy efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If fixed reverse rotation conveyance is performed, then the rewinding process is simple, but the next printing cannot be started from the suitable position when suitable rewinding distance varies depending on printing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the reverse rotation amount dynamic based on printing conditions. The control unit adjusts the reverse rotation amount according to the paper feed amount during stopping and the required acceleration/deceleration distances for the next printing job. This ensures that printing can resume from the suitable position while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the control unit monitor the paper feed amount during stopping and use this information to determine the appropriate reverse rotation amount. The system also considers the acceleration and deceleration distances required for the next printing job, creating a closed-loop control that optimizes both simplicity and precision.
3Reliability
If reverse rotation conveyance is performed with large rotation amount, then the roll paper can be reliably repositioned, but excessive paper is wasted due to over-rewinding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the reverse rotation amount parameter by calculating it based on the actual paper feed amount during stopping and the required acceleration/deceleration distances. This prevents over-rewinding and paper waste while ensuring reliable repositioning. The control unit adjusts this parameter dynamically based on printing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary reverse rotation amount rather than a fixed large rotation. The control unit determines the minimum required reverse rotation based on the paper feed amount and acceleration/deceleration distances, avoiding excessive action that would waste paper while still achieving reliable repositioning.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, a control method of the image forming apparatus, and a storage medium can suppress occurrence of a wasteful operation and perform a rewinding operation of an optimal amount. To this end, after stop of printing by the image forming apparatus, a print status at print start is obtained, and a rewinding distance of a roll paper is set based on the obtained print status.Then, a paper conveyance unit performs rewinding conveyance (reverse rotation conveyance) based on the set rewinding distance.