Image Forming Apparatus Stapling Eco-Stapling Job Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems require separate job settings for stapling and eco-stapling processes, leading to poor usability and operability when both processes need to be executed for sheet material stacks with the same contents.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a conveying mechanism and control section that allows for the simultaneous execution of stapling and eco-stapling processes based on user input for the number of copies, enabling the system to automatically determine and perform the appropriate binding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate job settings are used for stapling and eco-stapling processes, then each binding process can be properly executed, but the number of settings and operations increases, leading to poor usability and operability
Solution Approach 1:
The post-processing apparatus is designed to perform multiple binding processes (stapling and eco-stapling) within a single job setting. The control section automatically determines which binding process to execute based on the total number of copies, allowing one operation section to control both binding types without requiring separate job settings.
2Ease of operation
If one binding process is selected per job, then the system is simple to operate for single-process jobs, but multiple jobs must be divided to execute different binding processes for sheet stacks with the same contents, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the binding process type based on the total number of copies. The control section automatically switches between stapling and eco-stapling processes within a single job by evaluating the copy count, eliminating the need for static pre-selection of one binding type per job.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple binding processes are integrated into one system, then both stapling and eco-stapling can be performed in a single job, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The post-processing apparatus integrates both stapling and eco-stapling functions into a single device. The operation section provides unified control for both binding types, and the control section automatically selects the appropriate process, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate independent systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of kinds of binding process in one job. A printer control section transmits, to a finisher, a job for equal to or larger than a total number of copies being a sum of a first number of copies for performing the binding process by using a staple and a second number of copies for performing the binding process without use of the staple. On the finisher side, in accordance with the job, a finisher control section causes a stapler to perform a stapling process for the first number of copies and an eco-stapler to perform an eco-stapling process for the second number of copies.