Envelope Printing Offset Adjustment via Long-Edge Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing methods for envelopes require users to measure and set envelope dimensions manually, complicating the process due to varying flap widths, leading to inefficiencies in printing time and image alignment.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that allows for easy image placement on envelopes by setting the long edge as the leading end in the conveyance direction, using an input unit, setting unit, conveyance unit, and control unit to adjust the image offset and print correctly, thereby shortening printing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sub-scanning direction (long edge) of an envelope is set parallel to the conveyance direction (short-edge feed), then the image can be printed covering the full area, but the printing time becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional feeding approach by using long-edge feed instead of short-edge feed. This reverses the orientation of the envelope in the conveyance direction, allowing the printing to cover the full area including regions that would otherwise be occupied by the flap, thereby reducing printing time while maintaining ease of operation through automated offset adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the conveyance parameter by setting the long edge parallel to the conveyance direction, and simultaneously adjusts the image positioning parameter by applying an offset amount in the sub-scanning direction. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by enabling faster printing without requiring complex user measurements
2Productivity
If the long edge of the envelope is set as the leading end in the conveyance direction (long-edge feed), then the printing time is shortened, but the user needs to measure envelope lengths and create original image data excluding the flap area
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus performs self-service by automatically detecting the envelope type and calculating the appropriate offset amount without requiring user measurement or manual configuration. The system autonomously adjusts the image positioning to account for the flap width, eliminating the need for users to create specialized image data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual measurement and calculation process with an automated control system that uses sensor detection and computational algorithms to determine the correct image offset, substituting mechanical user operations with electronic automation
3Ease of operation
If the flap width is not accounted for in the image data creation, then the user operation is simplified, but the image will be misaligned or printed on the flap area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an offset amount as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the user's simplified image data and the actual envelope geometry. This offset acts as a buffer that automatically compensates for the flap width, allowing users to upload standard images while maintaining precise positioning on the printable area
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a stacker on which an envelope is to be stacked, an image forming device to form an image on the envelope conveyed from the stacker, an operation device to display a screen for prompting a user to set a size of the envelope and an orientation of the envelop to be stacked on the stacker. The orientation of the envelope accepted by the operation device is one of a first orientation, in which the flap and the body portion are aligned in a width direction that is orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the envelope, and a second orientation, in which the flap and the body portion are aligned in the conveyance direction of the envelope. A controller controls the operation device to display a guidance image based on the size of the envelope and the orientation of the envelope accepted by the operation device.