MFP Holding Unit Selection for Binding Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues when selecting holding units for printing, as they may inadvertently choose units that cannot perform specified binding processes, leading to improperly bound print products, especially when handling multiple sheet types.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit that prevents the selection of holding units holding sheets not compatible with the specified binding process, ensuring only compatible units are chosen for printing, and permits selection of units holding sheets not intended for binding when no binding is required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a shared method is used for selecting holding units regardless of binding processing type, then the selection process is simple and universal, but holding units containing incompatible sheet types may be selected leading to binding failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the holding unit selection criteria flexible and adaptable based on the binding processing type. The system dynamically adjusts selection rules: for stapleless binding, it restricts selection to holding units with compatible sheet types (excluding coated or thick sheets), while for staple binding or no binding, it permits broader selection including all holding units. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between simple universal selection and reliable binding-specific selection.
2Reliability
If holding units are restricted to only those compatible with stapleless binding, then binding reliability is ensured, but the number of selectable holding units decreases for non-binding or staple binding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the scope of selectable holding units based on the binding processing type. When stapleless binding is selected, the system restricts selection to compatible holding units (those with plain or uncoated sheets of appropriate thickness). When staple binding or no binding is selected, the system expands selection to include all holding units. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliability for stapleless binding while preserving versatility for other operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection parameters (sheet type compatibility criteria) based on the binding processing type parameter. For stapleless binding, it applies strict parameters excluding coated sheets and thick sheets. For staple binding or no binding, it relaxes or removes these parameter restrictions. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An MFP that accepts instructions to execute jobs includes, and takes holding units that hold sheets that can be subjected to binding processing specified by a job, where the holding units are considered search targets in an automatic selection process. The MFP performs auto paper selection on the holding units as the search targets, and if there is a candidate holding unit, feeds sheets to be used for printing from the holding unit and performs printing.