Image Forming Apparatus Sheet Type Matching Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with print quality when the designated recording medium type and size are not available, leading to alternative printing on different types or sizes, which may not meet user expectations.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus includes an execution control unit that switches to alternative types of sheets based on pre-defined groups or parameters, ensuring print quality by selecting appropriate sheets even when the designated type is unavailable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If alternative printing is executed on a recording medium of the same size but different type, then printing can be performed when the designated sheet is unavailable, but print quality may not meet user expectations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capabilityVSAvoidprint quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an execution control unit as an intermediary between the print engine and the recording medium. This control unit mediates the printing process by determining whether to execute printing based on sheet type matching, thereby ensuring that printing only occurs when quality requirements can be met while still providing adaptability when appropriate alternatives are available

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If alternative printing is executed on a recording medium of different type, then printing can be performed when the designated sheet is unavailable, but the print output may not satisfy user requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting availabilityVSAvoidprint quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The execution control unit implements a feedback mechanism by checking whether the loaded recording medium matches the designated sheet type before authorizing printing. This feedback loop ensures that printing productivity is maintained only when quality requirements are satisfied, preventing suboptimal print outputs while keeping the system highly available

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the printing apparatus selects any available recording medium, then printing operations can continue without interruption, but the print quality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting continuityVSAvoidprint quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The execution control unit performs preliminary verification of recording medium compatibility before initiating the printing process. By checking sheet type matching in advance, the system ensures printing continuity is maintained only when quality standards will be met, preventing future quality issues while keeping operations uninterrupted when appropriate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250208807A1Image forming apparatus, print control method, and computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 CANON KK

AI summary

In a case where a specific type of sheet associated with print data is not loaded in an image forming apparatus and an alternative type of sheet is loaded in the image forming apparatus, a print engine unit is caused to execute printing based on the print data on the alternative type of sheet.