Image Print Position Adjustment for Continuous Paper Width Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require time-consuming and costly process unit replacements when switching between different widths of continuous paper, leading to misalignment issues and increased operational costs, especially when printing labels or mass-produced products like point stickers.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that adjusts the image print position based on specified job medium width sizes, allowing for right-justification, left-justification, or cancellation of printing when the job medium width size differs from the fed medium width size, enabling efficient printing without physical process unit changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the continuous paper width is changed to match different job requirements, then printing adaptability is improved, but process unit replacement is required which increases time loss and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of image print position dynamically based on the continuous paper width. When paper width changes, the controller automatically adjusts the print position parameters to maintain proper alignment, eliminating the need for physical process unit replacement while preserving printing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming apparatus is designed to handle multiple continuous paper widths (e.g., 250mm and 330mm) using the same process unit. By implementing automatic print position adjustment functionality, the single process unit becomes universal and can adapt to different paper widths without requiring dedicated units for each size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the continuous paper width is changed to match different job requirements, then printing adaptability is improved, but device cost increases due to multiple process units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal process unit that can handle multiple continuous paper widths (250mm, 330mm, and other sizes) through automatic print position adjustment. This eliminates the need for maintaining multiple specialized process units, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while preserving full printing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using different physical process units for different paper widths, the system changes the operational parameters (print position) of the same process unit to adapt to various paper widths. This parameter-based adaptation reduces device complexity by consolidating hardware while maintaining versatility.
3Productivity
If image print position is not adjusted when paper width changes, then printing speed is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent automatically changes the print position parameters based on the detected continuous paper width. When paper width changes from the standard size, the controller calculates and applies the appropriate print position offset, maintaining both high printing speed and accurate image alignment without requiring manual intervention or physical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms (such as manual process unit replacement or physical repositioning) with an automated electronic control system that calculates and applies print position adjustments digitally. This substitution maintains printing speed while ensuring manufacturing precision through software-based parameter adjustment.
4Manufacturing precision
If process unit replacement is performed to match continuous paper width, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves manufacturing precision by dynamically changing print position parameters rather than performing physical process unit replacement. The controller automatically detects the continuous paper width and adjusts the print position accordingly, eliminating the time-consuming process unit replacement while maintaining accurate image alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical process unit replacement operation with an electronic parameter adjustment operation. Instead of physically replacing process units to achieve proper alignment, the system uses software-based print position adjustment, dramatically reducing the time required while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit configured to form an image on a continuous transfer medium on the basis of image data of a job; and a controller configured to manage the job and control the image forming unit, wherein the controller has a function of adjusting an image print position on the continuous transfer medium when a job medium width size specified in the job is different from a fed medium width size used in printing.