Media Housing Unit Standby Control for Printing Throughput

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing recording device experiences delays in starting the next recording job due to the automatic movement of the first media housing unit from the feed position to the removal position after a recording job ends, especially when subsequent jobs with the same paper size are received promptly, leading to reduced printing throughput.

Innovation Solution

The device is equipped with a judgment unit to determine if a standby time has elapsed since the last recording job, and a control unit that holds the first media housing unit in the feed position if no next job is received within that time, moving it to the removal position only when necessary, allowing for continuous operation without unnecessary delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the first media housing unit automatically moves from feed position to removal position after recording job ends, then the user can easily remove the media housing unit when empty, but the next recording job is delayed when same paper size is received promptly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of media housing unit removalVSAvoidprinting throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the media housing unit's position based on real-time job reception status. The control unit monitors whether a next recording job is received within the standby time period and dynamically decides whether to return the first media housing unit to removal position or keep it at feed position, optimizing both user accessibility and printing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit implements a feedback mechanism by monitoring job reception status within the standby time period. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether to execute the media housing unit return operation or maintain the current feed position, thereby preventing unnecessary delays while ensuring easy removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the first media housing unit is held in feed position after recording job ends, then the next recording job can start immediately, but the user cannot easily remove the media housing unit for replenishment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting throughputVSAvoidease of media housing unit removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the media housing unit's position based on real-time job reception status. The control unit monitors whether a next recording job is received within the standby time period and dynamically decides whether to return the first media housing unit to removal position or keep it at feed position, optimizing both user accessibility and printing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit implements a feedback mechanism by monitoring job reception status within the standby time period. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether to execute the media housing unit return operation or maintain the current feed position, thereby preventing unnecessary delays while ensuring easy removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the first tray moves automatically from pick position to loading position when empty, then the user can remove the first media housing unit easily, but unnecessary movement occurs when next job is received promptly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of media housing unit removalVSAvoiddelay in next print start

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the media housing unit's position based on real-time job reception status. The control unit monitors whether a next recording job is received within the standby time period and dynamically decides whether to return the first media housing unit to removal position or keep it at feed position, optimizing both user accessibility and printing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit implements a feedback mechanism by monitoring job reception status within the standby time period. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether to execute the media housing unit return operation or maintain the current feed position, thereby preventing unnecessary delays while ensuring easy removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8727334B2Recording device with standby time in control unit

Publication Date: 2014.05.20 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A recording device includes a judgment unit and a control unit. The judgment unit judges whether or not a designated standby time has elapsed still without a next recording job after the current recording job performed by the recording unit has ended in a state with the first media housing unit arranged in the feed position. The control unit controls the drive unit to hold the first media housing unit in the feed position when the judgment unit judges that it is before the standby time has elapsed, and on the other hand, to move the first media housing unit from the feed position to the removal position when the judgment unit judges that it is after the standby time has elapsed.