Image Forming System Parallel Job Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming systems experience reduced productivity due to the need for a wider interval between print jobs involving sheet post processing, as the time gap during image formation is solely for post processing, leading to inefficiencies, especially in high-volume continuous outputs.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system with a control section that allows the execution of a succeeding print job during the waiting period of a preceding job, optimizing the use of time by performing sheet feeding operations in parallel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a time gap is provided between sets for sheet post processing operations, then sheet post processing can be carried out, but productivity is reduced due to cumulative time loss during high-volume continuous outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs preliminary actions by feeding sheets for the succeeding job during the waiting period of the preceding job. Specifically, when a waiting period is detected (when the number of fed sheets is less than the number of sheets to be fed), the control section automatically feeds sheets for the next job in advance, so that no time gap is needed between job completions and sheet post processing can proceed immediately.
2Ease of operation
If the succeeding job is executed after the preceding job completes, then job execution is simple, but cumulative time gap becomes extremely long during high-volume continuous outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The control section maintains continuous useful action by overlapping the execution of preceding and succeeding jobs. When a waiting period is detected during the preceding job, the control section immediately starts feeding sheets for the succeeding job, ensuring that the image forming apparatus is continuously productive without idle time gaps between job completions.
3Reliability
If sheet feeding interval is widened for post processing, then post processing operations can be performed, but the image forming apparatus remains idle during the gap period
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs preliminary sheet feeding for the succeeding job during the waiting period of the preceding job. This preliminary action ensures that when the preceding job completes, the succeeding job is already ready to proceed immediately without requiring the image forming apparatus to remain idle, thus maintaining continuous productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system including: an image forming apparatus which executes a print job to form an image on a recording medium; and a post processing apparatus which carries out a post processing to the medium on which the image has been formed; wherein, the image forming apparatus includes a control section to control the image forming apparatus such that, if there is a waiting period in a preceding print job being under execution, a succeeding print job is executed during the waiting period.