Image Processing Modes to Reduce Curling in Post-Processing Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a post-processing mechanism into a printer's sheet discharge unit narrows the discharge port, increasing the likelihood of paper jams due to curling of printed sheets, especially when performing post-processing functions like stapling or sorting.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that allows for the attachment of a post-processing unit while reducing the height from the sheet discharge port, coupled with mode selection to minimize ink usage and adjust printing speed to reduce curling, thereby preventing paper jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a post-processing mechanism is inserted into the sheet discharge unit, then space efficiency is improved, but the sheet discharge port becomes narrower and paper jams are more likely to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet discharge tray is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. When the post-processing mechanism is attached, the tray can be positioned at the second position to clear the discharge port area, allowing sheets to be discharged without obstruction. This dynamic repositioning resolves the space efficiency vs. paper jam contradiction by adapting the tray position based on the attachment state.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the spatial conflict by utilizing vertical dimension changes - the sheet discharge tray can be raised or lowered between positions. This dimensional adjustment allows the system to maintain compact footprint while preventing paper jams by clearing the discharge path when needed.
2Area of stationary object
If a post-processing mechanism is inserted into the sheet discharge unit, then the printer footprint is reduced, but the discharge port height is reduced increasing paper jam likelihood
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet discharge tray's movable design allows it to dynamically adjust its vertical position. When attached, the post-processing mechanism requires reduced discharge port height, and the tray can be positioned accordingly. This dynamic adjustment maintains the reduced footprint while preventing paper jams through proper positioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If ink usage is increased to improve print quality, then print quality is improved, but curling of printed sheets increases leading to more paper jams
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts ink ejection amount as a controllable parameter. By optimizing the ink amount to be sufficient for quality printing but not excessive, the patent prevents sheet curling while maintaining print quality. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between print quality and paper jam prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus to which a post-processing unit is attachable, a height from a position of a print medium discharged from a sheet discharge port to the sheet discharge port being reduced after the post-processing unit has been attached, the image processing apparatus includes an input unit configured to, after the post-processing unit has been attached, input an instruction for setting a first mode among a plurality of print modes for determining print conditions in printing a print target image and a generation unit configured to, when, after the post-processing unit has been attached, there is a second mode which is different from the first mode and in which an amount of ink used to print a same image is smaller than that in the first mode, generate a display image to indicate that the second mode can be selected as the print mode for the print target image.