Image Forming Apparatus Label Printing Post Processing Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in printing label images when the required sheet length exceeds the processing limits of post processing devices, leading to insufficient die cutting positioning and an insufficient number of label images.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, an acquisition unit, a calculation unit, and a control unit that work together to determine the acceptable number of images for processing by the post processing device, calculate the number of divisions for the images, and control the formation of positioning images for each divided portion to ensure proper processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sheet length is increased to print more label images, then the productivity is improved, but the post processing device cannot process the roll sheet due to its limited outer diameter size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single print job into multiple sub-jobs, where each sub-job produces a separate roll sheet that fits within the post processing device's diameter limit. The system calculates the maximum number of label images that can be printed on a roll sheet of acceptable diameter, then segments the total print job accordingly, printing positioning images at the end of each sub-job to enable intermediate die-cutting operations.
2Device complexity
If the positioning image is not printed on the roll sheet, then the device complexity is reduced, but the die cutting positioning cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prints positioning images at the end of each sub-job before the roll sheet is sent to the post processing device. This preliminary action ensures that die-cutting positioning can be performed accurately on each segmented roll sheet, maintaining reliability while allowing the system to handle larger total print volumes through multiple sub-jobs.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, an acquisition unit configured to acquire an acceptable number for processing, which is a number of the plurality of images that can be processed by a post processing device, a calculation unit configured to calculate a number of divisions for a plurality of images in order to make a number of the images to be formed by the image forming unit equal to or smaller than the acceptable number for processing, and a control unit configured to control the image forming unit such that a positioning image used for positioning the plurality of images is formed with respect to the post processing device, for each of divided portions of the plurality of images that have been divided in accordance with the number of divisions.