Feeding Instruction Apparatus Timing Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feeding apparatuses face challenges in continuously feeding print media effectively, leading to delays in printing completion and inefficiencies in handling mid-operation cancellations or changes in print jobs, due to improper timing and coordination of feeding instructions.
Innovation Solution
A feeding instruction apparatus that includes a job reception unit, data reception unit, image processing unit, and transmission unit, which generates and transmits multiple feeding instructions based on the time required for image processing, ensuring continuous feeding and handling of print media one by one, with the ability to adjust instructions dynamically based on processing times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple feeding instructions are transmitted without considering image processing time, then continuous feeding is achieved, but printing delays occur due to improper timing
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission unit transmits feeding instructions in advance based on the time period required for image processing. By calculating the image processing time beforehand and scheduling feeding instructions to be transmitted at appropriate intervals, the system ensures that print media are fed to the conveyance section ready for printing without causing delays, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous feeding speed and printing timing.
2Loss of time
If feeding instructions are transmitted too frequently, then printing delays are prevented, but wasteful sheet discharge occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission unit controls the timing of feeding instruction transmission based on feedback from the image processing time period. By monitoring how long image processing takes and adjusting the feeding instruction transmission timing accordingly, the system avoids transmitting instructions too frequently, thereby preventing wasteful sheet discharge while still preventing printing delays.
3Productivity
If feeding instructions are transmitted in advance, then continuous printing is maintained, but coordination between feeding and printing becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission unit calculates the image processing time period in advance and uses this information to determine optimal feeding instruction transmission timing. By performing this preliminary calculation and scheduling, the system maintains continuous printing while managing coordination complexity through a systematic approach rather than ad-hoc adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding instruction apparatus includes a transmission unit configured to transmit multiple feeding instructions in a case where a print job is received, with the feeding instructions each being an instruction to feed a certain number of print media, the certain number being two or more but less than the total number of print media to be used for printing based on the one received print job. A timing when a predetermined feeding instruction included in the multiple feeding instructions is transmitted is controlled based on a time period required for the predetermined image processing to be performed on the image data corresponding to images to be printed on print media to be fed based on the predetermined feeding instruction.