Image Forming Apparatus Control for Uniform Continuous Paper Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, ensuring precise and equal image intervals on continuous paper is challenging due to variations in image preparation times, especially in digital printing machines, leading to unacceptable delays and irregular intervals that complicate post-processing tasks like die cutting and labeling.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control section that converts printing data into image data and sets optimal image forming speeds and intervals based on image sizes, preparation times, and paper passing directions, allowing for dynamic adjustment of image forming speeds and intervals to maintain equal spacing between images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the image interval is set small to reduce blank regions, then the productivity is improved, but the image preparation timing becomes late causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs preliminary calculation of image preparation times for all images before printing, and pre-determines the image interval based on these calculations. This allows the system to set optimal intervals in advance that guarantee timely preparation without requiring dynamic adjustments during printing, thus maintaining high productivity while avoiding delays.
2Loss of time
If the image interval is changed dynamically to accommodate preparation delays, then the loss of time is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to irregular intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The control section calculates image preparation times and determines optimal image intervals before printing begins. By pre-determining intervals based on actual preparation time requirements, the system ensures uniform spacing is maintained throughout printing without needing to insert skip pages or make dynamic changes that would disrupt interval consistency.
3Manufacturing precision
If the image preparation time is calculated accurately for each image, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs image preparation time calculations for all images in advance, before the printing operation begins. This preliminary calculation approach allows the system to establish a complete timing schedule upfront, ensuring precise interval control without requiring complex real-time calculations or adjustments during the printing process itself.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section that performs processing for forming an image on continuous paper on the basis of image data and a processor configured to perform image preparation to convert the printing data into the image data and control the image forming section to execute forming of an image on the continuous paper based on the image data. The processor is further configured to perform, before the image formation, second forming speeds setting according to image sizes in a paper passing direction, predetermined first image forming speeds, and image preparation times related to the images.