Image Forming Apparatus Print Timing Control for Mixed Media
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face decreased productivity when printing on different sheet sizes due to the need for constant time intervals in double-sided printing, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity in maintaining these intervals, especially when combining single-sided and double-sided printing operations.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with separate paper feed units for primary and secondary recording media, a print timing setting unit that adjusts print timing based on the number of sheets transferable at a time, and a controller that optimizes the transfer and printing process to maintain productivity by shifting print tasks between different sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the apparatus maintains constant time intervals for transferring sheets in double-sided printing, then productivity is ensured, but flexibility to handle different sheet sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transfer interval adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the transfer interval based on sheet size detection. When different sheet sizes are detected, the system adjusts the transfer timing to match the specific requirements of each sheet size, thereby maintaining both productivity and adaptability.
2Device complexity
If the apparatus uses a single circulating transfer path for both double-sided and single-sided printing, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases when handling different sheet sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different printing modes (double-sided, single-sided, envelope printing) using a single circulating transfer path. The control unit adjusts transfer intervals and printing timing based on the detected sheet size and printing mode, eliminating the need for separate transfer paths while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single circulating transfer path is designed to perform multiple functions: double-sided printing, single-sided printing, and envelope printing. By making the transfer path universal and adaptable to different sheet sizes and printing modes, the apparatus avoids the complexity of multiple dedicated paths while maintaining productivity across all printing scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus changes transfer schedule to accommodate different sheet sizes, then adaptability improves, but productivity decreases due to disruption of steady transfer schedule
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the transfer interval based on real-time detection of sheet sizes. When different sheet sizes are detected, the system smoothly transitions to appropriate transfer intervals without abrupt schedule changes. This dynamic adjustment maintains productivity by minimizing disruptions while adapting to varying sheet sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a first paper feed unit configured to feed a primary recording medium for double-sided printing; a second paper feed unit configured to feed a secondary recording medium for single-sided printing; a printing unit configured to perform sets of printing based on received job information, each of the sets of printing including double-sided printing on a first predetermined number of primary recording media and single-sided printing on a second predetermined number of secondary recording media; a print timing setting unit configured to set a print timing of each of the first print media and the second print media based on the first predetermined number and the second predetermined number; and a controller configured to perform control to transfer the primary recording media and the secondary recording media to the printing unit based on the print timing.